Earthquakes – Get prepared

According to some models, a large earthquake in British Columbia or the Ottawa-Montreal region could cause many tens of billions of dollars of damage. Natural Resources Canada developed a national Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system for areas of moderate to high risk in Canada, focusing on western British Columbia, eastern Ontario, and Quebec.

How to prepare before an earthquake

Although earthquakes cannot be predicted, their effects can be reduced by quick and easy steps you can take before, during, and immediately after the event. There are actions you can take to prepare for an earthquake.

• Be aware of the risks specific to your community and region, whether you live there or are just visiting
• If you live or travel in western British Columbia, eastern Ontario or Quebec, you may receive EEW alerts via radio, television or smartphone. It's important to learn about EEW alerts and what to do if you get one
• Provincial and municipal governments may have information on local earthquake and tsunami risk
• Prepare your emergency kit Learn more about what items to put in your kit, including quick and easy steps you can take right away
• Prepare an emergency kit for your car
• Make a household emergency plan. Consider the specific needs of all members of your household, including older adults, children, pets, and anyone with special health needs
• Consider if earthquake insurance makes sense for your household
• Make sure your household knows and practices what to do during an earthquake
  • Talk to members of your household, including children, about earthquakes so they understand what they are and know what to do in the event of an earthquake
  • Participate in Great Shakeout earthquake preparedness initiatives and drills in your area. The Great Shakeout typically takes place in October
• Check if your wireless phone is compatible with Alert Ready, Canada's emergency alerting system

Prepare your home

Objects and furniture

• Secure tall and/or heavy furniture and appliances to wall studs to prevent tipping, especially if they are in a space where you spend a lot of time. Keep heavy items on lower shelves
• Attach flat screen TVs, mirrors, paintings, and other hanging objects securely to a wall so that they will not fall
• Keep beds and chairs away from windows and chimneys
• Do not hang heavy pictures or objects over beds
• Remember that closed curtains and blinds can help stop broken window glass from falling into the room
• Put anti-skid pads under TVs, computers, and other small appliances, or secure them with a hook and loop fastener like Velcro, or another similar product, to keep them from falling off counters or cabinets
• Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to stop contents from spilling-out

Supplies, equipment, and products

• Fasten water heaters, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers and other heavy appliances to wall studs or the floor. Pay special attention to those that could break gas or water lines if they fall over
• Keep flammable items and household chemicals away from stoves, furnaces, and other heat sources and ensure that they are unlikely to spill

Outside your home

• Repair potential outdoor hazards such as loose roof shingles, cracked masonry, and awnings
• Repair bricks and mortar around chimneys to reduce the chance of dangerous falling debris
• Consult a professional to find out more ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques
• Assess your home to see how your home would stand up to an earthquake

During an earthquake

Large earthquakes may last up to several minutes. The shaking may cause you to feel dizzy and be unable to walk. If you are in a tall building, you may experience more of a swaying motion rather than shaking.

Wherever you are when an earthquake occurs or if you receive an EEW alert, take action immediately to protect yourself from falling objects and debris. You should avoid doorways, windows, and elevators.

If you are indoors

Stay indoors and remember the three key steps.

1. Drop to the ground, before the earthquake causes you to fall
2. Take Cover under sturdy furniture, such as a desk, table, or chair, to protect your head and torso
3. Hold On to the object that you are under

If there is no sturdy furniture in the room:

• Drop to the ground
• Crouch against an interior corner or wall, away from hazards such as windows
• Cover your head and neck with your arms

If you are using a walker or a wheelchair:

• Turn away from windows and other hazards
• Lock the wheels
• Cover your head and neck with your arms

If you are in bed:

• Turn onto your stomach
• Cover your head and neck with pillows
• Hold on

If you are outdoors

• Stay outside
• Go to an open area away from buildings and powerlines
• Drop to the ground, bend over, and Cover your head and neck with your arms
• If you are in a crowded public place, take cover out of the potential path of a rushing crowd

If you are in a vehicle

• Pull over to a safe place where you are not blocking the road
• Stop the car, set the parking Brake, and Stay inside
• Keep roads clear for rescue and emergency vehicles
• Listen to your car radio for instructions from emergency officials
• Stay away from bridges, overpasses, and underpasses
• Place a "help" sign in your window and turn on your emergency flashers if you need assistance
• Do not get out of your car if downed power lines are across it. Wait to be rescued
• If you are on a bus, stay in your seat until the bus stops. Take cover in a protected place. If you cannot take cover, sit in a crouched position and protect your head

After the earthquake stops

• Be prepared for aftershocks
• Follow instructions from emergency officials via internet, radio or TV
• Do not light matches or turn on light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks or flammable liquids spilled
• Do not make telephone calls as this can overwhelm the system, preventing people from getting through to emergency services. Use texting only to communicate with family and friends
• When, and if, it is safe to do so, check your home for structural damage and other hazards including:
  • fires
  • gas leaks (leaking gas will smell)
  • damaged electrical wiring
  • broken appliances
  • downed power lines
  • toxic spills
  • damaged chimneys
  • damaged walls, floors, and ceilings
• If you suspect your home is unsafe, do not stay inside
• If you must, leave your home, taking your emergency kit with you
• Check on your neighbours
• Be aware of other secondary hazards including:
  • landslides
  • Wildfires
  • flooding
  • tsunamis