The first building constructed in North America to save people from a tsunami will be dedicated on Saturday in Westport.
The Ocosta School District's new elementary school has four stair cases so residents can use to reach the roof of the new gymnasium in case of an emergency. It's high enough to stay above a projected tsunami. It's also a building built strong enough to survive the crushing waves. Waves that become bulldozers, filled with floating debris such as wood and cars, boats and even ships.
As part of the dedication, the Washington Army National Guard will lift a person off the roof.
The dedication will start at 11 a.m.
Friday marks the official conclusion of Cascadia Rising, the largest earthquake preparation drill in northwest history, involving some 20,000 people. Participants ranging from civilian first responders to the National Guard to active duty units of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and other agencies.
