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Earthquake |
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Earthquake is an ever-present threat in our seismically active region. The science of earthquakes can be complex, but we only really need to know what to do in preparing for potential earthquake events impacting the Town of Sidney. Due to Sidney’s location, tsunami (whether generated from a local landslide into the Straight of Georgia or from an earthquake in the Pacific Ocean) would not cause catastrophic damage, like in Asia in 2004 or more recently in Japan. There are few areas near the foreshore that are vulnerable to high water similar in size to those seen in a severe wind storm. The most likely earthquake event that could cause damage in Sidney would be one similar to the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake of February 2011, where a 6.3 magnitude earthquake occurred just outside the city. In Sidney, an earthquake of this size would likely disrupt water, power, sewer, and gas, communication, and transportation services for an extended period and would overwhelm the local capacity to respond. Depending on the size, proximity and many other factors there could be a large number of injured persons, and even some fatalities due to the severe shaking that would occur. The biggest threats of injury and death are from falling objects (including household items, parts of buildings and chimneys), gas fires, and an extended period of time without critical services. WHAT CAN YOU DO?
· Put heavy items on lower shelves, fasten furniture (TVs, hot water tanks, bookshelves, etc.) · Hang pictures properly and with hooks not nails · Don’t have heavy items above beds/couches · Keep beds away from windows · Keep exits clear of things that could block a fast evacuation. 2. Practice the Drop, Cover, and Hold techniques. It seems so simple and it may save your life: Drop – If you feel shaking, assess your surroundings first, look for safest area to wait out the quake (safe from falling/flying debris, windows, overhead hazards, etc.). Cover – Take cover under something, like a piece of furniture. The best spot is usually under a sturdy desk or table. If you are in the open, cover your head and neck and wait until all movement has stopped. Hold – Hold on to the desk or other furniture that is protecting you from falling objects. The shaking itself may cause your protection to fall over or move away from you. Hang onto it. For a video showing the Drop, Cover and Hold technique, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsFD20Uj1E4 When the ground has stopped moving, try to stay calm and assess your best course of action. Wait for at least 60 seconds after the shaking stops to make sure that there are no more falling objects around you. Keep yourself safe, as there will be many dangers after a destructive earthquake, such as broken glass, downed power lines, potential gas leaks, and unsafe areas. Be aware there will likely be aftershocks.
Common misunderstandings about earthquakes: · The total collapse of buildings (pancake) is not very likely with modern buildings (constructed since 1960’s). · It used to be said that doorways are the safest area during an earthquake because they were reinforced. But today, there are dangers of doors swinging and pinch hazards that make doorways especially dangerous. · The ‘Triangle of Life’ theory of being safest beside sturdy items has not been validated by most earthquake studies. It is better to take cover underneath desks and tables, when possible. For more earthquake preparedness information, go to: www.72hours.org/earthquake.html For information on the science of earthquakes, see the Geological Service of Canada website at: www.earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca For more information on other things you can do to prepare your home for earthquake (and how to do them) go to: http://www.daretoprepare.org/secure_your_stuff.html For video instructions for securing furniture, search the internet for ‘How-to’ videos like this one on YouTube: |
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