Earthquake Preparedness

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Feel an Earthquake? Drop! Cover! Hold On!

When you feel the ground shake, immediately drop, cover and hold on.


  1. Drop to your hands and knees. If you’re inside, stay inside – don’t run outdoors or to other rooms.
  2. Cover your head and neck with your arm and take shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture. If there is no shelter nearby, crawl to the nearest interior corner or wall while continuing to protect your head and neck.
  3. Hold on to your shelter, covering your head and neck until the shaking stops.

Preparing now could save your life!
An earthquake could hit B.C. at any time. Start preparing by developing your family emergency plan.

What to do when you’re…

Outside
Immediately drop, cover and hold on.  Move to a clear area only if you can safely do so. Don’t run. Avoid buildings, power lines, trees, signs, vehicles and other hazards. 
Driving
Pull over, stop and set the handbrake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
Near the shore or on the beach
Immediately evacuate to high ground. Don’t wait for officials to issue a warning. Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris and other hazards.

Earthquake Risk Profiler
Would you like to learn about the potential impacts from specific earthquake scenarios?
View the Natural Resources Canada Risk Profiler tool, designed to look at different scenarios and understand how you can be prepared.

When the Shaking Stops

  • Do not call 911 to report and earthquake – Only call 911 for serious injuries.
  • Count to 60 before getting up.
  • Be aware of the potential for aftershocks.
  • If you are in an unsafe place (your home, your place of work), if you can and if safe, take you grab-and-go bag(s) and evacuate to somewhere safe.
  • If you are in place safe to stay in, shelter-in-place.

If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas valve and leave immediately. Once the gas is shut off at the meter, do not try to turn it back on. Only a registered contractor can do that safely.

Prepare Your Home for an Easthquake

Follow these steps to help prevent injuries and damage in your home in the event of an earthquake:

  • Secure tall, free-standing furniture, such as bookcases, cabinets and shelving to wall studs using “L” brackets, corner brackets or anodized aluminum moulding
  • Move framed pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches and chairs
  • Secure cabinet doors with push or pull latches
  • Use strong strapping and ratchets or other connectors to secure refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers
  • Anchor water heaters snugly to the wall with straps. If necessary, contract a licensed gas fitter to install a flexible gas line
  • Know how to turn off your electrical panel, water and gas in case of leaks or if directed to do so by officials. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas valve and leave your home immediately. Once the gas is shut off at the meter, do not try to turn it back on. Only a registered contractor can do that safely. 

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