EARTHQUAKES IN B.C.

WHAT CAUSES EARTHQUAKES

INTENSITY & MAGNITUDE

MERCALLI SCALE

RICHTER SCALE

WHERE DO EARTHQUAKES OCCUR?

MEGATHRUST EARTHQUAKE?

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?

MINIMIZING THE RISK!

Prepare for an earthquake in British Columbia

 When an earthquake strikes, you must be ready to act immediately. To survive, you and your family should prepare a survival plan. Preparing a plan will help you and your family:

• Avoid injury and help others 
• Minimize damage to your property
• Survive at least 72 hours without help from emergency response officials. 

What to do BEFORE an earthquake

• Prepare an emergency plan for your family and household. 
• If you live alone, develop a plan with links to neighbours and friends. 
• Take a first aid course, learn CPR. 
• Know the safe places to be - and where not to be - in your home during an earthquake. Practise taking cover in the safe places 
• • Safe places: under heavy tables or desks; inside hallways; corners of rooms or strong archways. 
  • Dangerous places: near windows or mirrors; under heavy objects that can fall; the kitchen where the stove, refrigerator or contents of cupboards may fall on you; doorways where the shaking may slam the door on you. 

Prepare and practise an emergency plan together as a family. Discuss what could happen and what you should do at home, at school or at work if an earthquake strikes. 

Prepare a list of what needs to be done ahead of time. Divide up tasks so that everyone participates. Write down and exercise your plan. 

 

Prepare your home | Home hazards | Home Emergency Kit
Personal Emergency Kit | Automobile Emergency Kit
Workplace Emergency Kit | Contacts & Things to Remember