Home Safety - Large

Earthquake Preparation

Earthquake preparedness drills are commonplace at schools and in the workplace but many of us forget to practice these drills at home. Use this guide to help your family prepare for the effects of a significant earthquake. Much of this general advice applies to a whole range of possible emergencies, from floods to toxic spills.

Family Meetings and Drills

  • Any good emergency plan observes one cardinal rule: it needs to be tested and updated regularly. Meet with your family members at least once a year to discuss and update your plan. The following information is cited from the Provincial Emergency Program guide Family Preparedness for Earthquakes and other Emergencies.

Before an Earthquake

  • Move or secure objects that could fall on you such as books, plants, pieces of china, or anything hanging. Heavy objects such as bookcases or top-heavy furniture should be secured. If this is not practical, be prepared to move away from them if an earthquake strikes.
  • Remove or isolate flammable materials.
  • Always have handy a battery-powered radio and flashlight, and have spare batteries for both. Remember, the radio may be your only source of information following an earthquake.
  • Always keep on hand an emergency survival kit containing food, sleeping bags, medication, first-aid supplies and bottled water. Rotate water and food to ensure freshness.
  • Plan ahead and hold occasional home earthquake drills to ensure your family knows what to do. If you live in a high-rise, have an evacuation plan for your building and make arrangements for reuniting family members should you be in different locations when an earthquake strikes.
  • Check with your children's school to make sure the school has an earthquake emergency plan. Do the same for your place of work, church and so on.
  • Make sure you know the location of emergency exits, fire alarms and fire extinguishers. Always keep a fire extinguisher in your home.
  • Don't place your bed near a window or hang heavy objects such as mirrors or paintings in a position where they could fall on the bed.

During an Earthquake

  • Stay away from the windows.
  • If you are in an apartment, office or mobile home, remain there for the duration of the earthquake. In a highrise do not use the elevator during or after the earthquake as the power may fail and you'll be trapped.
  • Move away from top-heavy furnishings, bookcases and other things that could fall.
  • Move under a desk, table or other piece of heavy furniture and hold on to it. If it moves about, move with it.
  • If you are unable to get under a piece of furniture, flatten yourself against a wall in the interior of your home and protect your head as best as you can.
  • If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, power poles, and brick or block walls that could collapse.
  • If you are in a high-rise building, do not be surprised if the fire alarm or sprinkler systems are activated.
  • If you are in an automobile, stop and remain in your car until the shaking stops. If possible, avoid stopping near trees, power lines and on or under overpasses.
  • If you are in a store, take cover. Avoid stopping under anything that could fall. Do not dash for the exit. Choose your exit carefully.

After an Earthquake

  • Don't use the telephone. Emergency crews will need all available lines.
  • Be ready for more shaking. Aftershocks often follow the first tremor.
  • Wear protective shoes and clothing, as there will be a lot of glass and debris lying around.
  • Check for fires and fire hazards.
  • Check house, roof and chimney for damage.
  • If you suspect there is damage to your electrical system (frayed wires, sparks or the smell of hot insulation), turn off your electrical system at the main circuit breaker or fuse box.
  • Check to see that sewage lines are intact before continuing flushing of toilets.
  • Listen to your radio for emergency instructions.
  • Go to your children's school or the pre-determined school collection point, and collect your children.
  • Be prepared to evacuate. If you must evacuate, post a message in plain view indicating where you can be found. Take essential supplies with you.

Emergency Food and Water Pack

As a family, you should have an emergency supply of food and water on hand sufficient for at least three days. When your are preparing your emergency food and water pack, consider the possibility of having to feed friends and relatives also. You should also consider the special needs of family members on special diets and small children and infants. Ideally, a food and water supply for 14 days should be stored in your home.

Storing Water

A week's supply of drinking water for each member of your family amounts to approximately 31.5 L per person. This includes water needed for drinking, cooking and washing. When you are making your emergency plan, take into consideration the 90-135L (20-30 gal.) of water contained in your hot water heater. There are also a few litres of water in the holding tank of your toilet, providing it contains no chemicals. Another source is the liquid left after you open cans of fruits or vegetables. Water can be stored safely in plastic jugs. Use bleach jugs as they are emptied. Don't rinse them out as the remaining bleach acts as a purifier. Change the water every three to six months. After an earthquake, if you have water pressure, fill your bathtub. The water can be stored there and, if necessary, purified later for drinking.

Evacuation Checklist

  • First-aid kit
  • Flashlight, radio and spare batteries
  • Important papers and cash
  • Food
  • Sleeping bags/blankets
  • Extra clothes
  • Toiletries and personal items
  • Baby supplies (if applicable)