Earthquake
Drop, Cover and Hold On!
One of the most crucial things to remember during an earthquake is to Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
- Drop under heavy furniture such as a table, desk, bed or solid furniture.
- Cover your head and torso to prevent being hit by falling objects.
- Hold on to the object that you are under so that you remain covered. Be prepared to move with the object until the shaking has finished.
BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE
Key ways to prepare for before an earthquake:
- Sign up for Saanich Peninsula Alert so you receive critcal informaton from a validated source
- Prepare your Emergency Plan and Emergency Kits
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
Drop, Cover and Hold On!
If you’re inside your home, stay there. Leave the kitchen. Safer places are in hallways, in corners and in archways. Take cover under a heavy table, desk or any solid furniture that you can get under and hold on to.
If you’re in bed, stay there and protect your head and face with a pillow.
If you’re in a wheelchair, lock your wheels, cover yourself with a blanket and assume the airplane crash position until the shaking stops.
If you’re outside your home, stay outside and get clear of buildings and wires that could fall on you.
Avoid outdoor areas where you may be hit by falling debris – sidewalks next to tall buildings are particularly dangerous.
Avoid elevators. If you’re in an elevator when an earthquake happens, hit all floor buttons and get out when you can. High-rise residents may hear fire alarms go off and electricity may fail.
If you’re in a vehicle, pull over to the side of the road, away from bridges, overpasses and buildings. Stay in your vehicle.
If you’re in a crowded public place, take cover and watch that you don’t get trampled. In shopping centres, take cover in the nearest store and keep away from windows, skylights and display shelves of heavy objects.
Remain in a protected place until the shaking stops. Anticipate aftershocks – they may occur soon after the first quake.
Try to remain calm and help others.
AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
Once the shaking stops…
Stay in your safe location and count to 60 to give things time to settle.
Before you move, check your immediate area for hazards: broken glass, spilled chemicals or items that have shifted and may easily fall in an aftershock.
Check yourself and others nearby for injuries. Administer first aid to yourself before assisting others.
If you are told to evacuate by authorities, leave and take your grab & go bag with you.
Check utilities but do not shut them of unless damaged or instructed to do so by authorities.
Leaking gas will smell. Leave immediately, don’t light matches, turn on and/or of light switches, or use any electronic appliance or engine until you are sure it is safe to do so.
Wear sturdy shoes, gloves and protective clothing if there is debris, particularly broken glass.
Check on your neighbours after looking after your own family. The first help after an earthquake usually comes from family and neighbours.
Place a “HELP” sign in windows if you need extra assistance, or the “OK” sign if you do not.
Confine and comfort frightened pets.
Do not flush toilets if you suspect sewer pipes or water lines have been broken.
Secure your home against intruders. Lock doors and close windows.
If you are registered for Saanich Peninsula Alert, follow any instructions provided. Saanich Peninsula Alert is one of the tools the Town of Sidney will use to communicate with the public to deliver critical alerts. Saanich Peninsula Alert is free and is reserved for critical alerts only. Listen to your radio (or car radio) for emergency instructions. Monitor trusted local social media feeds, particularly government and other authorities.
Avoid beaches, marinas and low-lying areas as a precaution against large waves, including tsunamis.
