In Canada, the most likely location for an earthquake is on the coast of British Columbia, where two of the earth’s tectonic plates come together. The St. Lawrence and Ottawa River valleys are also prone to earthquakes. This past summer, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake in central Canada was felt as far away as Sudbury, Quebec City and New York.

So, in the event of a quake, what should people do?

Before an earthquake

• Repair any loose roof shingles.
• Tie a water heater to studs with other heavy appliances.
• Secure all furniture and shelving units, keeping lighter items on upper shelves.
• Hang paintings, pictures, mirrors and decorations securely on the walls.
• Place beds and chairs away from chimneys and windows to stop debris and broken glass from falling on them.
• Keep household flammable items like cleaning chemicals away from heat sources.
• Don’t shut off the gas unless there is a leak or fire.
• Check your insurance coverage to understand how you would be protected in the event of an earthquake.

During an earthquake

• Do not leave the building if you are inside. Protect yourself by taking shelter under a desk or table. Hold on to the furniture you are under and cover your head and torso.
• If in a hallway or unable to get under furniture, flatten yourself against a wall. Stay away from windows and shelves with heavy objects.
• If outside, stay there and away from any bricks or glass that may be falling from buildings.
• If in a vehicle, pull over to a safe place where you are not blocking the road for rescue and emergency vehicles. Avoid being around or under bridges or buildings that could collapse. Stop the vehicle and remain inside. Place a “help” sign in your window for assistance.
• Avoid doorways, windows, bookcases, light fixtures, elevators, downed power lines and coastlines.

After an earthquake

• Stay calm and help people if possible.
• Check your home for structural damage or hazards and don’t enter if you suspect it is unsafe.
• Place a sign in clear view if you need help or if you are leaving your home.
• Listen to the radio for updates about safety or evacuation procedures.
• Do not light matches or turn lights on until you are positive there are no leaks or spilled flammable liquids. Use a flashlight to check all utilities and do not turn them off unless damaged.
• Do not flush toilets if sewer lines are broken.
• Wear proper foot, eye and hand protection when inspecting a house.
• Check on your neighbours and pets, after taking care of your own family members.
• Be cautious of aftershocks. Secondary effects are another major cause of earthquake damage, like landslides, flooding and tsunamis.

Source: Seismic researcher John Cassidy and the Government of Canada