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Emergency Preparedness

Guide Book

PREPARE TO SURVIVE A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE

What Happens During an Earthquake?

     If you are near the source of an earthquake, expect a loud bang followed by shaking.  If you are further away, the first warning may be a sudden noise, roar or swaying of the building you are in.

     Next, you will feel shaking quickly followed by a rolling motion that rotates up, down and sideways.

     It's bound to be a frightening experience.  A moderate earthquake may last only a few seconds.  A major earthquake could last a few minutes.

Earthquake Myths

     An earthquake does not cause the earth to split open and swallow up people and neighbourhoods.  Buildings do not automatically collapse.

     However you could be hurt by shattered glass, falling objects and heavy objects being thrown around by the shaking. 

     Broken gas mains and fallen chimneys can cause fires.  Downed power lines and broken water mains can also wreak havoc.

Tips on What to do Before an Earthquake

• Prepare an emergency plan for your family and household.

• If you live alone, develop a plan for yourself with links to neighbours and friends.

• Take a first aid course, including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, (CPR).

• Know the safe places to be - and where not to be - in your home during an earthquake.  Practice taking cover in the safe places.  

Prepare Your Home For Earthquakes

• Go through your home imagining what could happen to each part of it, shaken by a violent earthquake.

• Teach everybody in the family how to turn off the water and electricity.

• Clearly label the on-off positions for the water, electricity and gas.

• If your home is equipped with natural gas, tie or tape the appropriate wrench on or near the pipe, to turn off the gas if necessary.  Don't shut off the gas unless there is a leak or a fire.  If the gas is turned off, don't turn it on again.  That must be done by a qualified technician.)

     f you live in an apartment block or a multi-story building, you may experience more sway and less shaking than in a smaller, single story building.

     Work with your building manager or condominium board to decide how best to 'quake-safe' your unit.

     Seek advice from professionals (building engineers, architects, emergency preparedness authorities) if you are unsure about what to do.

Check For Home Hazards

     Previous earthquakes show that you have a better chance of surviving and minimizing damage to your home if you take the following preventive measures:

• Make sure your house is bolted to the foundation.

• Make sure the walls are braced.

• Repair loose roof shingles.

• Make sure the chimneys are strong and well-braced.

• Tie down the water heater and other heavy appliances (stove, washer, dryer) that could break gas or water lines if they topple.

• Secure top-heavy furniture and shelving units to prevent tipping.  Keep heavy items on lower shelves.

• Affix mirrors, paintings and other hanging objects securely, so they won't fall off hooks.

• Locate beds and chairs away from chimneys and windows.  Don't hang heavy pictures or other objects over beds.  Closed curtains and blinds will help stop broken window glass from falling on beds.

• Put anti-skid pads under TVs, VCRs, computers and small appliances or secure them with Velcro or other such product.

• Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to stop contents from spilling out.

• Keep flammable items and household chemicals away from heat and where they are less likely to spill.

• Put plywood up in the attic on joists around each chimney to help prevent bricks and mortar from coming through the ceiling.  (Check clearances with your local fire department.)

• Discuss earthquake insurance with your insurance broker.  Check your coverage - it could affect your financial ability to recover losses after an earthquake.

How to Protect Yourself During an Earthquake

     Practicing and reading about what you should do during an earthquake will help you remain calm, be better prepared to protect yourself and help others.

     Identify safe spots in each room in your house.

     Reinforce this knowledge by physically placing yourself in the safe location.  This is especially important for children.

     Wherever you are when an earthquake starts, take cover immediately and stay there until the shaking stops.

If indoors:

• Stay there.  Don't run outside.

• Take cover under a heavy table, desk or any solid furniture and hold on.

• In a hallway, crouch down against an inside wall.

• Avoid doorways.  Doors may slam and cause injury.

• Protect your head and face.

• Move away from windows, glass partitions, mirrors, fireplaces, bookcases, tall furniture and light fixtures.

• If in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect the back of the neck and head.

• If in a hotel, keep shoes under the bed, clothes close by; consider traveling with a battery-powered radio and flashlight and extra batteries; identify the safest place in your hotel room to take shelter (such as a table); read all material on safety provided in your room and note the emergency exits on your floor.

• Do not use elevators.  If you're in an elevator during an earthquake, hit the button for every floor and get out as soon as you can.

If outdoors:

• Stay there.  Try to move to a safe spot away from windows, buildings, overhead wires or telephones poles.

If you are in a vehicle:

• Try to pull over to a safe place.  Try not to block the road.  Park away from bridges, overpasses and buildings, if possible.  Stay in vehicle.

If you are in a crowded place:

• Try to take cover where you won't get trampled.  If you are inside don't run outside where you may be hit by falling debris.  Sidewalks next to tall buildings are particularly dangerous.

• In shopping centres try to take cover in the nearest store.  Keep away from windows, skylights, and display shelves laden with heavy objects.

If at school:

• Get under a desk or table and hold on. 

• Face away from windows.

If on a bus:

• Stay in your seat until the bus stops.

     Wherever you are, expect the ground or floor to move violently.  Take cover.  If you can't take cover, sit down in a crouched position and protect your head and face from falling debris and splintering glass.

     Remain in a protected place until the shaking stops.  Expect after shocks - they may occur for some time after the initial quake.