Earthquakes

BEFORE an earthquake

Secure the natural gas equipment in your home

• Securely strap your hot water tank. This is the most important preparation you can make, as it will keep the water line and gas line from breaking and ensure a source of water. You can do this very inexpensively.
• Anchor other gas appliances wherever possible. Use flexible metal connectors to connect appliances to rigid gas piping.  Securing all your gas appliances properly reduces the need for a seismic shut-off valve.

What else?

• Remove pictures from over beds, or attach them securely.
• Attach heavy furniture such as dressers to the wall.
• Install special film on windows to prevent them from shattering, especially in children's rooms.
• Have your home inspected for sheer wall strength and attachment to foundations.
• Always keep the area around gas appliances clear of combustible materials, eg. paper, paints/solvents, even laundry, and especially propane cylinders, barbecues and gasoline-powered lawnmowers and vehicles.

Make a plan

• Make an emergency kit. Stock up at least a three-day supply of food, water, clothes, medical supplies and other necessary equipment for everyone in your family. Make sure everyone knows where to find them.
• Decide where and when to reunite your family.
• Locate the shut-off valves for water, gas and electricity. Learn how to shut off the valves before a quake. If you have any questions, call your utility company.
• Choose a person outside the immediate area to contact if family members are separated. Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner than local service. Don't use the phone right after an earthquake.
• Know the policies of the school or daycare centre your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get to them.
• Know the safest place in each room - it will be difficult to move from one room to another during a quake.
• Establish all the possible ways to exit your house. Keep those areas clear.
• If you have a family member who does not speak English, prepare an emergency card written in English indicating that person's identification, address and any special needs such as medication allergies. Tell that person to keep the card with him/her at all times.

Practice your plan

• Practice taking cover as if there were an earthquake and learn the safest places in your home and workplace.
• Practice getting out of your home and check to see if the planned exits are clear and if they can become blocked in an earthquake.
• Review how to turn off the gas, but don't actually turn it off unless there’s an emergency.

Check your insurance policy

A basic homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover damage caused by an earthquake. Many people appreciate the peace of mind of adding earthquake coverage to their policy.

DURING an earthquake

Protect yourself

• Duck, cover and hold under a desk, table or other furniture. If that's not possible, seek cover against an interior wall (preferably in a corner) and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors or tall furniture.
• If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Stay where you are until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.
• When in a high rise building, move against an interior wall (preferably in a corner) if you are not near a desk or table. Protect your head with your arms. Don't use the elevators. Don't run into the street - there may be extreme danger from falling glass.
• When outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings or downed electrical wires and poles.
• When on a sidewalk near buildings, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster and other debris.
• When driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.
• When in a crowded store or other public place, move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall. Don't rush for the exit.
• When in a stadium or theatre, stay in your seat, get below the level of the back of the seat and cover your head with your arms.

AFTER an earthquake

• Check your natural gas appliances and equipment.
• If you do not smell or hear gas escaping, consider leaving the gas on to provide a source of energy for heat, hot water and cooking. Check the vents, chimney and connections at each gas appliance to be sure they have not been dislodged or blocked.
• If you think you smell gas or hear gas escaping, act fast.
  • Turn off your gas meter, if it's safe to do so, and
  • Leave the building and call 1-800-663-9911

Related links

• Shakedown, an earthquake preparedness brochure (PDF 503 KB)
• Appliance shut-off valves 
• How to make an emergency kit