EARTHQUAKE PROCEDURE

INTRODUCTION:

An earthquake is a sudden, sometimes violent, shaking of the ground caused by the sudden release of stored energy within the earth’s crust. Earthquakes are natural events, like snowstorms or tornadoes. Although the destruction they may cause can be terrifying and devastating, they are an essential part of the geologic process that constantly shapes the surface of our planet.

All of British Columbia is on the North America Plate and also the interaction of the Pacific Plate off the coast of BC and two smaller plates, the Juan de Fuca Plate and the Explorer Plate.

Approximately 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur along the margins of these tectonic plates, where one of three boundary conditions exists.

Earthquakes strike without warning. It is important to be familiar with the following procedures. Knowing how to respond and what to do could save your life.

Movement of the ground is seldom the actual cause of death or injury. Most casualties result from partial building collapse, falling objects and debris, like toppling chimneys, ceiling plaster and light fixtures.

PROCEDURE:

At first indication of ground shaking: TAKE “QUAKE SAFE” ACTION:

1. Stay where you are.

2. Protect yourself: Drop to the floor. Cover yourself. Hold on to your shelter.

3. be aware of items that might fall. Move away from windows and heavy objects.

4. Don't enter or exit a building during shaking due to danger from falling debris.

Inside:

1. Place your head between your knees to protect your face from flying glass or objects.

2. Crouch under a table or desk away from the windows and hold on.

3. Physically locate yourself away from windows in the innermost corner of the room.

4. Avoid bracing yourself in an inner doorway because of possible injury from the moving door.

5. Turn off gas; extinguish open flames. Beware of hazardous chemicals.

Don't use elevators during a quake.

Outside:

1. Move far away from buildings to avoid being struck with broken glass or debris.

2. Stay away from utility poles, power lines, and trees.

In a vehicle:

1. Drive away from underpasses and overpasses. Avoid buildings and utility wires.

2. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

3. When shaking stops, proceed cautiously. Avoid bridges and elevated structures.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE: STAY CALM. THINK OF CONSEQUENCES.

1. Recognize that if you are inside, the electricity and lights are probably out.

2. Don't move a seriously injured person unless he or she is in danger of further injury.

3. Be prepared for additional, likely milder earthquake shocks as they may cause additional damage.

4. Don't use a telephone except for a true emergency.

5. Turn the battery operated radio to listen to the latest reports.

6. Check for fires and fire hazards. Don't use candles around natural gas breaks.

7. Report gas, water, and sewer break to municipality and or BC Hydro or to Police.

8. Don't use any elevator unless it has been checked.

9. Wear shoes to avoid injury from broken glass.

10. Don't eat or drink from open containers because they may contain broken glass.

11. Don't drink from taps unless you have been told the lines are safe.

12. Don't flush toilets unless advised by the municipality and or Police has told you that sewage lines are intact. Watch for downed power lines.

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