Emergency Preparedness
Preparing Yourself

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Other Emergency-related sites from the City of Vancouver: Emergency Social Services & Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program

Emergency
Preparedness

Preparing Yourself
At Home
At Work
Disaster Kit

What the City is Doing

Other Emergency Sites

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Vancouver's Salt Water Pump Station (2.22MB)

E-Comm Building (1.3MB)

Disaster Response Routes (1MB)

What to do in an earthquake

Before

Check for hazards in the home.

Identify safe places in each room

Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
Against an inside wall.
Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.

Locate safe places outdoors

In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake.

Develop a family disaster plan.

Do some homework

Contact your local emergency management office, public library or Provincial Emergency Program for more information on earthquakes.

Have a disaster supplies kit on hand.

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During

If indoors:

Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall and hold on.
Stay inside.
The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on you.

If outdoors:

Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If in a moving vehicle:

Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.
Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.
Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

"Triangle of Life vs Drop, Cover, and Hold On":

Every time there is a major earthquake in the world, an e-mail starts circulating advocating the Triangle of Life technique and denouncing the accepted Drop, Cover, Hold On technique. The Triangle of Life suggest that during an earthquake you should get next to a large object, into the so-called "Triangle of Life". This method is not recognized or supported by seismologists, engineers, governments, emergency management professionals and first response agencies in North America. Read more to find out why!

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After

Be prepared for aftershocks

Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and may bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

Help injured or trapped persons

Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

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Questions or comments? Contact: emergency.management@vancouver.ca or call 3-1-1 (within Vancouver) or 604.873.7000 (outside Vancouver).