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Get prepared for an earthquake

Last updated on May 17, 2024

image of a person under their desk, after receiving an alert on their phone

Earthquakes can't be predicted. The first sign may be a loud bang, roar or an alert on your phone, TV or radio. You may then feel the ground shake and roll for several minutes. Aftershocks, or smaller earthquakes, can continue for many hours, even days. Take the following steps to stay safe. 

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Earthquake early warning alerts

We can't predict earthquakes; however, the Canadian Earthquake Early Warning system can provide seconds to tens-of-seconds of warning by detecting an earthquake immediately after it occurs. If you receive an alert – whether on your phone, TV or radio — take immediate protective actions. 

Drop, Cover and Hold On

When you feel the ground shake or receive an alert, immediately:

  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

Image depicting drop to your hands and knees, seek cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on.

Practice how to Drop, Cover and Hold On at home, at work or at school by joining The Great British Columbia ShakeOut every October.

What to do if you’re…

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 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.

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.

Near the shore or on the beach

After the shaking stops, immediately evacuate to high ground. Don’t wait for officials to issue a tsunami warning. Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris and other hazards.

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.

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.

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. 

When the shaking stops... 

  • Count to 60 before getting up, giving displaced objects a chance 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

Prepare your home

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, 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 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

Make an emergency plan

You could be on your own for several days while emergency responders work to save lives and manage the aftermath. It may be weeks before infrastructure, utilities and essential services are restored.

Phone, gas, electric and water services may be disrupted following an earthquake. Roads could be blocked, stores may be closed and gas stations might be out-of-service.

Make your home emergency plan with our resources, including a printable fill-in-the-blanks Home Emergency Plan or the Emergency Ready Planner interactive guide. Remember to think of the needs of everyone in your home, such as children, pets and those with additional preparedness needs.

Emergency kit and grab-and-go bags

If your house, apartment or condominium is not damaged after an earthquake, the best thing you can do is stay home and use your emergency kit. This will help first responders do their job and ensure emergency reception centres are available to those who need them most.

To build your emergency kit, collect enough non-perishable food, water and emergency supplies to support your household for a minimum of 3 days. It's a good idea to have one to 2 weeks of supplies. Make sure everything is stored together in an accessible location.

In case you have to leave your home, you should also prepare grab-and-go bags for each family member, including pets. These are smaller versions of your emergency kit. Make sure the bags are easy to get to and that everyone knows where they are.

Research insurance options

Home insurance policies in B.C. cover earthquake damage and losses. Call your insurance representative to discuss your coverage or contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422.

Disaster Financial Assistance is not available for losses due to an earthquake, so it’s important to discuss coverage with an insurance company or representative. If you leave your home due to an Evacuation Order, most homeowner and tenant insurance policies will provide coverage for reasonable living expenses for a specified time.