The recent earthquake in Northern California is a reminder that coastal BC is an earthquake zone and that we have to be ready for a damaging earthquake at any time.

According to experts a damaging earthquake occurs every few decades and a “big one” happens every few hundred years. The next one could happen any time.  See: B.C. due for mega-earthquake along coast.

When a quake hits

According to North American experts, the best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to DROP under a sturdy piece of furniture, COVER your head and neck and HOLD ON to the furniture and move with it. Watch for announcement about the Great BC ShakeOut on October 16 when you’ll get a chance to practice this at work!

Have an emergency kit

Preparedness is the key to surviving an earthquake; take the time to educate yourself and your family and to stockpile basic needs such as food, water, flashlight, batteries, etc. Find out how to buy or make a kit for home on VCH Connect.

Health Emergency Management BC offers basic preparedness training for employees.  For more information about emergency preparedness, please visit us at our Health Emergency Management BC intranet page.