What a major earthquake does
The shaking itself lasts seconds to a few minutes. The longer problem is what it breaks. Water mains, gas lines, power, phone networks, bridges and roads can all fail at once across a wide area, and emergency crews are stretched across the whole region.
That is why earthquake planning leans on self-sufficiency. Government of Canada guidance is to be able to look after yourself for at least 72 hours, and in a large earthquake it is reasonable to plan for longer. Water matters most, because broken mains can take time to repair and nothing arrives by road until routes are cleared.
Before: make the home safer and stock it
Most earthquake injuries come from falling and flying objects, which makes an afternoon with a drill one of the best preparations there is.
- Anchor tall furniture, bookcases and televisions to wall studs, and strap the water heater.
- Move heavy items to low shelves, and keep beds clear of anything that could fall on them.
- Keep sturdy shoes and a flashlight beside each bed. Broken glass is the first hazard when you get up.
- Find your gas, water and electrical shut-offs. Turn gas off only if you smell or hear a leak, since it has to be turned back on by a professional.
- Store about 4 litres of water per person per day, plus a way to treat more. See water disruptions.
- Keep supplies in more than one place: at home, at work and in the car.
- Choose an out-of-area contact, because local lines may be jammed.
During: drop, cover and hold on
Indoors, drop to your hands and knees, get under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. If nothing is nearby, crouch beside an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms. Stay away from windows and tall furniture.
Outdoors, move into the open, away from buildings, power lines and trees. If you are driving, pull over clear of overpasses and stay in the vehicle. On the coast, once strong shaking stops, go to higher ground straight away without waiting for an official tsunami warning.
Afterwards, and common mistakes
Expect aftershocks. Check yourself and the people around you for injuries, put on shoes and look for hazards before moving through the building. For serious injuries call 911, and be ready to give first aid while you wait, since response may be slow. A first aid kit and a bleed control kit are useful only if someone has practised with them.
- Running outside during the shaking. Falling glass and masonry near exits cause many injuries. Stay put until it stops.
- Sheltering in a doorway. In modern homes a doorway is no stronger than the rest of the structure and offers no cover from falling objects.
- Lighting candles or matches afterwards. Use a flashlight until you are sure there is no gas leak.
- Tying up phone lines. Send texts and keep calls for emergencies so the network stays available.
- Assuming tap water is safe. Use stored water until your municipality confirms the supply is clean.