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!

What to do during an earthquake

General advice:

• Practising and reading about what you should do during an earthquake will help you remain calm, be better prepared to protect yourself and help others. Do not panic. Earthquakes are quite survivable if you know what to do.

• Identify safe spots in each room in your home or workplace. 

• Reinforce this knowledge by physically placing yourself in a safe location. 

• Teach your children to protect themselves. You will have the knowledge that they are safe at home or at school. They will have the knowledge that you are safe.

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

• Wherever you are, expect the ground or floor to move violently. Expect the power to go off.  Expect that there will be a lot of dust and debris falling. Expect aftershocks - they may occur for some time after the initial quake. 

• 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. 

What to do: