Earthquakes are common in BC and can happen at any time. According to ClimateReadyBC, there are thousands of earthquakes in BC annually, however, approximately 50 earthquakes are felt. Earthquakes that are strong enough to cause structural damage occur once every 10 years on average.
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Our human tendency is to RUN when we feel an earthquake – to get out of the way and to safety. Studies show that people get hurt by falling debris, falling objects, and collapsing structures. If you're on the move during an earthquake, you're in danger of being thrown to the ground or injured by toppling or falling debris. Safety comes from stopping or quickly moving to a safe place.
Rather than running - Learn to Drop Cover and Hold On.
DROP – where you are onto your hands and knees (this position will prevent you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl, if necessary, to a safe location or shelter
COVER – your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is close by, take shelter under it. If no shelter is near, crawl to an interior wall, avoiding walls with windows. Stay on your knees, bend over to protect vital organs
HOLD ON – until the shaking stops. If you are able to hold on to a table leg while sheltering, this will help you remain protected if the table or desk shifts during the shaking
Learn to Drop Cover and Hold On Info Sheet
If you’re driving:
- Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake
- Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs, and other hazards
- Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.
- When the shaking stops, proceed cautiously by avoiding fallen debris, cracked or shifted pavement
- If a power line has fallen on you’re vehicle, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire
If you are indoors:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On — Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, bench, or against an inside wall, and hold on. If there is no desk or table near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
- If in a wheelchair or you use a walker, do the same with a safe wall or tall chair that may protect you. Avoid windows and doorways.
- Do not use elevators.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as light fixtures and furniture.
- Be aware that electricity may go out or that sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
- If you are in bed when the earthquake strikes, stay there. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall.
- Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects while entering or leaving buildings. Don’t run outside when the ground is shaking
If you are in a wheelchair:
- Lock, Cover, and Hold On.
- Lock your wheels and remain in place until the shaking stops.
- Always protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.
- In bed
- Hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow or blanket. You are less likely to be injured in bed where you are shielded from flying objects and broken glass. Most injuries occur when people try to run for cover.
If you are in a store:
- Immediately Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
- If you must move to get away from heavy items on high shelves, drop to the ground first and crawl only the shortest distance necessary
If you are in a high-rise:
- Immediately Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
- Avoid windows and other hazards.
- Do not use elevators.
- Be aware sprinkler systems or fire alarms may activate.
- In a stadium or theatre
- Stay at your seat, bending over to protect your head and neck, or drop to the floor between rows if there's room.
- Don’t move until the shaking is over.
- When it stops, walk out slowly, following directions from officials.
Remember to Drop, Cover, and Hold On during aftershocks.
If you are outside:
- Stay there
- Immediately Drop the Cover and Hold on
- Don’t Run!
- If safe to do so, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.
- Text your out-of-area contact telling them you are okay or injured and describe where you are.
- Proceed cautiously after the earthquake has stopped, watching for road and bridge damage.
- Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines.
If you are in a vehicle:
- Stop as quickly as safety permits, pull to the side of the road, and stay in the car. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
- Know how to exit a car with energized power lines; do so only if a car is on fire.
If you are trapped under debris:
- Do not light a match.
- Cover your mouth with fabric or clothing. Do not move about or kick up dust.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can find you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort — shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust
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- Count to 60 before getting up. This gives a chance for the displaced objects to settle
- Stay calm and move cautiously, checking for unstable objects and other hazards above and around you
- Be aware of the potential for aftershocks. Drop, Cover, and Hold On every time you feel one
- Do not call 911 to report an earthquake. Only call 911 for serious injuries
- Follow all directions from local authorities and first responder personnel
- If your home is severely damaged and unsafe to stay in, take your grab-and-go bags and evacuate to somewhere safer
- If your home is damaged but safe to stay in, shelter-in-place and use your emergency kit
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Before an earthquake, you can help prevent injuries and damage by making some changes inside your home. Severe shaking can topple large furniture and appliances, toss heavy items from walls and shelves, and throw open cupboards. To prevent these things from happening:
- 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, contact 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 your gas is shut off at the meter, DON’T try to turn it back on. Only a licensed gas contractor can do that safely