After a series of recent earthquakes in our region, the City of Burnaby is urging residents to be proactive to ensure their preparedness and safety in the event of a larger or damaging seismic event.
The City’s emergency preparedness page has useful information for residents and businesses to stay informed and prepared for an emergency. Preparing an emergency plan and assembling an emergency kit are essential steps to improving the safety and wellbeing of you and your family.
What to do during an earthquake
During an earthquake, you will reduce your chance of injury if you “Drop, Cover and Hold on.” If you are inside, move no more than a few steps, then DROP to the ground, take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops and at least 60 seconds after the shaking has stopped. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, drop to the ground in an inside corner of the building, bend over to protect vital organs and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay there until the shaking stops.
Building evacuations after earthquake
Building evacuation following an earthquake should NEVER be automatic. There may be more danger outside your building or facility than there is inside. Before any decision is made to vacate all or part of a building, determine if the evacuation is needed for life safety, such as if there is considerable visible damage to the building, there is a strong smell of gas or rotten eggs, or there is fire or the strong smell of smoke. If your house, apartment or condominium is not damaged after an earthquake, the best thing you can do is stay home, use your emergency kit and work together with your neighbours.
Emergency Support Shelters after earthquake
The City of Burnaby has pre-identified several locations across the city that may be used following an earthquake to receive Burnaby residents and provide information, comfort, services, and, if necessary, temporary lodging. City officials will communicate the locations open and available to receive impacted persons through a variety of methods.
Some things to do to help you prepare for earthquakes include:
Stay informed:
- Download the Alertable app and sign up for alerts and updates from the City of Burnaby.
- Check burnaby.ca, as well as the City’s accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X for up-to-date information in the event of an emergency
Prepare your home:
- Secure your hot water tank, heavy furniture and appliances to walls.
- Identify possible injury hazards and secure moveable items like pictures, mirrors, countertop appliances, TVs, bookcases, ceiling fans etc.
- Store hazardous materials in secure, lower shelves or cabinets.
Create an emergency plan:
- Identify safe spots in each room (under sturdy furniture, against walls).
- Establish an emergency meeting place outside your home.
- Make a family communication plan that includes who you will communicate with and how you will communicate with them in an emergency.
Assemble an emergency kit:
- Include water, non-perishable food, portable radio, cell phone charging cables and plugs, flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, medications, important documents, and more.
- Ensure you have supplies for a minimum of 72 hours.
The City of Burnaby is committed to the safety and well-being of all its residents. By taking these steps, we can all contribute to a safer and more prepared community.
Learn more: Emergency Preparedness