More than 3,000 earthquakes occur in British Columbia each year. Most are too small to be felt, but the risk of one big enough to cause significant damage is very real. Concerned about the possibility of an earthquake in your area? Follow this guide to find out what to do in an earthquake, during, after, and even before it strikes!
- “DROP, COVER, HOLD ON”: Drop to the ground, take cover under a table or desk and hold on as long as the shaking continues. Learn what you should do if you have a disability or physical limitation. Learn more about why we “DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON” here, as well as reasons why you SHOULD NOT follow the old myths of standing in a doorway, or using the “triangle of life”
- Wait for the “shaking” to stop and count to 60 to allow objects that may have shifted during the shaking to settle, then cautiously come out of your safe DROP, COVER, HOLD ON location.
- Stay calm and move cautiously, checking for unstable objects and other hazards above and around you.
- Check yourself and others for injuries and render first aid as needed. Note: Seriously injured people should not be moved unless doing so is the only way to avoid imminent danger of further injury.
- Decide if it is safe to stay in your location or evacuate by checking for obvious structural damage and any resulting hazards such as:
- Fires
- Gas leaks
- Exposed/arcing electrical components/wires
- Leaking sewage
- Broken water pipes
- Dangling fixtures/furnishings
- If you and your family are okay, place a large OK sign in your window to let emergency workers know. OK and HELP signs are available for downloading.
- If your building has suffered considerable damage and is unsafe, you may need to leave immediately. Gather your emergency supplies together and exit the building to an outdoor assembly area. Roll call to ensure all or accounted for, or list who is missing.
- Do not re-enter buildings unless they have been deemed safe.
- Monitor emergency media for damage and public safety information. Ensure telephones are not used for any calls, except for emergencies requiring immediate assistance. Replace all telephone receivers which have been dislodged.
- Conserve water, electricity and fuel as much as possible. Treat all downed electrical wires as live, unless confirmed by a representative of the electrical utility.
For more specific information, review the “After the Shaking Stops” informational brochures, according to where you will be located:
What to Do Before an Earthquake Strikes:
Be earthquake ready, by preparing emergency supplies, creating an emergency plan, and running an earthquake drill. Learn more about how to prepare for an Earthquake on “How to Run a Drill,” and consider registering to participate in The Great Shakeout, joining millions globally in a worldwide drill.
