Earthquakes

We can't prevent an earthquake from happening, but we can be prepared for one.

Before an Earthquake

Plan. Planning for home , work, children and pets is a vital part of preparing yourself and your family for an earthquake. If you've organized for each item on these checklists, then you're on your way! It's always useful to have a fully-stocked emergency supply, based on the City's recommended Emergency Supplies Checklist.

During an Earthquake

No matter where you are, if an earthquake strikes, carry out the basic "Drop", "Cover", "Hold". During an earthquake:

Drop to the ground to lower your center of gravity and take cover under a table or other sturdy furniture facing away from glass.
Cover your head and neck with your hand and get into crouch position.
Brace yourself and hold onto a table leg while covering your head and neck area with the other hand until the shaking stops. Count to sixty (60). Once the shaking stops, check that it is safe to come out from your safe area. Come out slowly, check yourself and those around you for injuries. Make a decision to evacuate or stay where you are. This decision will depend on whether it is safer to shelter in place or to evacuate outside. If you decide to evacuate, you must make sure that the route out of the building is safe.

A reminder

If you are inside when the earthquake strikes stay inside until the shaking stops and "drop, cover, hold". If you are outside when the earthquake strikes stay outside, until the shaking stops and "drop, cover, hold". Ensure you are are located away from buildings and power lines.

What should I do to protect myself if I am in:

In a Building. Stay inside. Stay away from windows. Get under a heavy desk or table and hang on. If you can't get under something strong, assume the crash position against an interior wall. Bring head close to knees, cover sides of head with elbows and clasp hands behind neck, count to 60 and wait till the shaking stops. Some safe areas might be hallways or stairwells.
In a Car. Stop the vehicle leave your seatbelt fastened and stay where you are. Avoid bridges, overpasses, buildings or anything that could collapse on you or your car. Put the vehicle in park, set the emergency brake, hold on to the wheel with one hand, face away from the window and cover your head and neck with your hand. If you are a passenger in the back seat, assume the crash position. If a power line falls on the car, Do Not get out, unless absolutely necessary (because the vehicle is on fire, for example). If you must leave the car, jump out with both feet together ensuring that no part of your body is touching the vehicle when you hit the ground. Then shuffle away from the vehicle, making certain your feet are always touching each other, until you are 10 meters or 33 feet away from the vehicle. Also, be aware that the City has dedicated Disaster Response Routes .
In an Elevator. Hit all floor buttons and get out when you can. Some of the newer elevators might automatically go to the ground floor. If it does not move and the doors do not open, you will have to wait for assistance. Having a whistle or using your shoe to signal with sets of three bangs on the door could help others locate you.
Outside. Go to an open area. Move away from buildings or any structure that could collapse. Stay away from power lines and downed electrical wires. If you can, take cover under a picnic table or bus bench and hold on until the shaking stops. If there is no cover, carry out "Drop, Cover, Hold" in an open area until the shaking stops. Stay in a crouch position covering your head and neck with both hands. If you happen to be at the bottom of a hill, watch for landslides or falling debris.
In Shopping Malls and Other Public Places. Take cover in an area where you won't get trampled, avoiding windows, skylights and display shelves with heavy objects. Do Not run for the exits or use the elevator. Seek assistance from staff to evacuate the building.

After the Earthquake

Preparing for an earthquake also includes knowing what to do, and not to do, after the shaking stops, particularly when there is danger from aftershocks, fires, and falling debris.

Tips:

Stay focused and calm.
Be aware of your environment and ready for any changes to your surroundings.
Check yourself and others around you for injuries. You must first ensure that you are okay before you can assist others.
Dress appropriately. Protect your feet and hands from hazards that might be present. If you have a dust mask and any hand protection (i.e. gloves) now would be a good time to wear them.
Account for all persons. Do a check so that no one is missed and left behind if evacuation is necessary.
Ensure that you are familiar with the emergency plan for your place of work.
Remember - Do Not use an open flame or turn on lights or appliances until you are sure that there are no gas leaks.
Administer first aid using the knowledge acquired from an accredited First Aid course or from basic first aid instructions in the front of your phone book.
Check utilities "Water, Gas, Electricity, Phones"
- In the first few hours after a disaster, phone lines could be overloaded, down or only working sporatically. During this time, only use the telephone for emergency life threatening situations.
- Make calls short and precise.
- Replace handsets on cradles to prevent overload on system.
- Use your Out of Province /Area Contact number to gain information on family members and update them your status once the first few hours after the disaster have passed.
- Check for gas and water leaks and control hazards.
- Put out small fires and cordon off unsafe areas.
- Remove debris that could harm others.
Be prepared for aftershocks. These could take place shortly following the earthquake, be quite intense and carry on for a time following the initial earthquake.
Conduct a Rapid Damage Assessment of buildings using the knowledge that you have acquired through a Post Earthquake Rapid Damage Assessment of Building course.
Listen to emergency broadcasts. Use your battery powered, solar/hand crank or car radio and follow the instructions given.
Access your emergency supplies. These could be your supplies at home, work or in your vehicle. If evacuation of premises is necessary, have your supplies in a portable container and use them wisely.
Confine and comfort pets. Ensure that pet food, water, medications, etc. are stored in a dry and easily accessible location. Evacuation with pets may also be necessary. Remember to take emergency supplies for them.
Check on neighbours and/or co-workers and assist them as you can.
Report serious life threatening damage to authorities.
Liaise with emergency personnel as they arrive on scene and update them on the situation.
If required, evacuate the area as directed by authorities and implement your family reunion plan.

The HEROS program provides additional emergency preparedness seminars throughout the year. Check out the HEROS Seminar Program Schedule for the next available session.

For more information about emergency preparedness please contact the HEROS office at 604-945-1578.