Emergency Services
Tips for Earthquakes
What to expect during an earthquake
Small or moderate earthquakes
These can last only a few seconds and represent no emergency risk.
Ceiling light fixtures may sway and some minor rattling of objects may occur in your home.
You may feel a slight quiver under your feet if you are outside.
If you are close to its source, you may hear a loud bang followed by shaking.
Large earthquakes
These can last up to several minutes and constitute a natural disaster.
The ground or floor will move, perhaps violently.
Whether far away or close to the source, you will probably feel shaking followed by a rolling motion, much like being at sea.
If you are far away from the source, you might see swaying buildings or hear a roaring sound.
You may feel dizzy and be unable to walk during the earthquake.
Furnishings and unsecured objects could fall over or slide across the floor or be thrown with damaging force across the room.
Unsecured light fixtures and ceiling panels may fall.
Windows may break.
Fire alarms and sprinkler systems may be activated.
Lights and power may go off.
Approximately 4,000 mostly small earthquakes are recorded in Canada each year.
If you are indoors:
Stay inside. Do not run outside or to other rooms during shaking
Drop under heavy furniture such as a table, desk, bed or any solid furniture.
Cover your head and torso to prevent being hit by falling objects.
Hold onto the object that you are under so that you remain covered.
If you can't get under something strong, or if you are in a hallway, flatten yourself or crouch against an interior wall.
If you are outdoors:
Stay outside.
Go to an open area away from buildings. The most dangerous place is near exterior walls.
If you are in a crowded public place, take cover where you won't be trampled.
If you are in a vehicle:
Pull over to a safe place where you are not blocking the road. Keep roads clear for rescue and emergency vehicles.
Avoid bridges, overpasses, underpasses, buildings or anything that could collapse.
Stop the car and stay inside.
Avoid in an earthquake:
Doorways - doors may slam shut and cause injuries.
Windows, bookcases, tall furniture and light fixtures. You could be hurt by shattered glass or heavy objects.
Elevators - if you are in an elevator during an earthquake, hit the button for every floor and get out as soon as you can.
Downed power lines - stay at least 10 meters away to avoid injury.
- Downed power lines - stay at least 10 meters away to avoid injury. Do not attempt to get out of your car if downed power lines are across it. Wait to be rescued.
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