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Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur suddenly, often without warning. The initial sign might be a loud bang or roar followed by an alert on your mobile device, TV, or radio. Then, you may experience the ground shaking for several minutes, sometimes accompanied by aftershocks that continue for hours even after the mn event. To ensure safety during such occurrences, please follow these steps:
While earthquakes are unpredictable, Canada's Earthquake Early Warning system can provide seconds to tens of seconds before an earthquake strikes. This system allows immediate alerts on various communication platforms like phones, TV, and radio when an earthquake begins. Upon receiving an alert, immediately implement the Drop-Cover-Hold On procedure.
Drop: Lower yourself onto your hands and knees.
Cover: Protect your head and neck using an arm or a sturdy object nearby if avlable. If no shelter is nearby, move to the nearest interior corner of the building.
Hold On: Stay where you are until it's safe to move.
Before an earthquake strikes:
Secure Furniture: Attach tall furniture like bookcases and cabinets to wall studs using brackets or aluminum moulding to prevent them from toppling over. Remove heavy items from walls and shelves to avoid injury.
Cabinet Stability: Use latches to keep cabinet doors closed securely.
Appliance Safety: Secure major appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dryers with strong straps or ratchets. Ensure water heaters are firmly attached to the wall with straps; consult a licensed gas fitter if necessary for proper installation of flexible gas lines.
Prepare yourself for days without electricity, phone services, and access to utilities post-earthquake:
An essential part of earthquake readiness is ensuring that you have a well-stocked emergency kit.
Collect non-perishable food items and water sufficient to last your household at least 3 days. m for a supply that could cover up to 2 weeks if necessary.
Prepare smaller, easily accessible bags contning essential items like medications, personal hygiene supplies, copies of important documents, and tools suitable for quick evacuations.
Home insurance policies typically cover earthquake damage. Contact your insurance agent or the Insurance Bureau of Canada 1-844-227-5422 to review your coverage detls.
If you're forced to evacuate, most homeowner and tenant insurance policies provide coverage for reasonable living expenses during specified periods following a disaster. Make sure you understand the specifics of this coverage before an earthquake occurs.
By taking proactive steps to prepare before earthquakes happen, families can reduce potential risks and ensure that they have the resources needed should disaster strike. This includes securing your home agnst falling objects, planning for communication disruptions, building emergency kits, understanding insurance options, and practicing safety protocols like Drop-Cover-Hold On during an earthquake.
The British Columbia Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations across British Columbia and is grateful to work on these lands. The service recognizes Indigenous rights, interests, priorities, concerns, and distinct cultures while respecting their histories, laws, and governance systems.
This article is reproduced from: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/earthquakes-tsunamis/earthquakes
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