Earthquakes
If indoors and you feel an earthquake stay where you are and don’t run outside.
If there is an earthquake move away from windows, glass partitions, mirrors, bookcases, tall furniture, and light fixtures.
What is an earthquake?
An earthquake occurs when rocks break and slip along a fault in the earth. Energy is released during an earthquake in several forms, including as movement along the fault, as heat, and as seismic waves that radiate out from the “source” in all directions and cause the ground to shake, sometimes hundreds of kilometers away.
What is the danger from an earthquake?
Most earthquake damage is caused by ground shaking. Falling objects pose the greatest danger during a major earthquake. In Canada, no house has ever collapsed during an earthquake. However, many types of objects may fall and cause damage or injuries. Of prime concern, therefore, is protection from falling objects such as framed pictures, light fixtures, plaster from ceilings or the upper part of walls, or chimneys which may fall outside or through the roof into the house. Similarly utilities such as water, electricity, gas supply and roads may be damaged due to an earthquake.
How do I protect myself during an earthquake?
Wherever you are when the earthquake starts, take cover immediately and stay there until the shaking stops.
If I am indoors during an earthquake?
- Stay there, don’t run outside.
- Take cover under a heavy table, desk or any solid furniture, and hold on. If you are in a hallway, crouch down against an inside wall.
- Avoid doorways, doors may slam shut and cause injuries.
- Protect your head and face.
- Move away from windows, glass partitions, mirrors, bookcases, tall furniture, and light fixtures.
- If in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect the back of your neck and head.
- Do not use elevators. If you are in an elevator during an earthquake, press the button for every floor and get out as soon as you can.
If I am outdoors during an earthquake?
- Stay there.
- Try to move to a safe spot away from windows, buildings, overhead wires, electrical and telephone poles, and trees.
If I am in a vehicle during an earthquake?
- Try to pull over to a safe place.
- Try not to block the road.
- Park away from bridges, overpasses, and buildings.
- Stay in the vehicle.
If I am in a crowded place during an earthquake?
- Try to take cover where you won’t get trampled.
- If you are inside, don’t run outside where you may be hit by falling debris.
- Sidewalks next to tall buildings are particularly dangerous.
- In shopping centres, try to take cover in the nearest store.
- Keep away from windows, skylights, and display shelves laden with heavy objects.
This item was last modified on April 27, 2016