This book tells the story of the powerful earthquakes and tsunamis that occur in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, and threaten the people who live there. Written in non-technical language and illustrated with 130 photos, maps and drawings, this book answers such questions as: Why do earthquakes and tsunamis happen? Why are they common on the west coast of North America? Are Vancouver, Seattle, Portland and other west coast cities at risk? When will the next "Big One" happen? Why are some buildings destroyed in an earthquake while others are left undamaged? Can earthquakes and tsunamis be predicted? what can individuals and governments do to prepare for these events? AT RISK offers timely and important information for residents of the Pacific Northwest and for all those interested in the forces of nature and their effects on our communities.