Earthquake
Earthquakes strike suddenly and can damage buildings, property, and infrastructure. Critical services such as health care, transportation, power, water and sewer may be disrupted for weeks or even months. Residential buildings may not collapse, but may be damaged to the extent that they are not habitable. It will take time for emergency responders to help everyone that is unprepared, and initial response will focus on only the most vulnerable. It is important that all North Shore residents take personal action to be prepared.
Every year, seismologists with the Geological Survey of Canada record and locate more than 1,000 earthquakes in western Canada.
Risk of earthquake on the North Shore: High
British Columbia has the highest earthquake risk in Canada. Southwestern BC, including the North Shore, are at the highest risk within BC. The North Shore could experience an earthquake that causes damage and injury.
How to prepare
Planning ahead can reduce the danger of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.
Take a free emergency preparedness workshop to learn about potential hazards. Prepare an emergency kit so you can survive on your own for a minimum of 72 hours.
Seismic retrofitting
Seismic retrofitting provides buildings with more resistance earthquakes.
What to do during an earthquake
If you are inside your home when an earthquake strikes, stay there and:
- DROP to the ground where you are
- Take COVER under a sturdy desk or solid piece of furniture
- HOLD ON to the furniture and continue to protect yourself
Learn more about DROP, COVER, HOLD ON and what to do after an earthquake.
Get notified of an earthquake
- Sign up for Alertable emergency notifications
- EmergencyInfoBC alerts
- Earthquake Track
- Earthquakes Canada