Earthquake and tsunami preparedness social media package

The Canadian Earthquake Early Warning system launches this Spring in British Columbia. The system is designed to alert for earthquakes that are likely to cause damage. It can save lives and reduce injuries by giving people seconds to tens-of-seconds of warning to take protective actions. 

If you receive an alert, immediately take action to Drop, Cover and Hold on.

Learn more: canada.ca/earthquake-early-warning

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Having an emergency plan and kit aren’t the only ways to get prepared for an earthquake. Did you know there are things you can do to prevent damage inside your home? Learn what steps to take, as well as how to respond safely when the earth starts shaking. 

preparedbc.ca/earthquakes

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Preparing your home before an earthquake happens can reduce potential damage and injuries. Take these steps to make sure your home is as safe as possible:

✅Secure bookcases and other large furniture to walls using L-brackets
✅Move heavy glass and canned goods from high shelves or cupboards to lower ones
✅Do not hang pictures or mirrors above beds

Visit preparedbc.ca/earthquakes for more home safety tips.

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After an earthquake, you and the people you live with may have to respond quickly to stay safe and reconnect. How will your loved ones respond if:

•  Your home is not safe to stay in?
• Some members are at school, work or daycare?
• Someone needs to turn off the gas?
• No one’s home and your pets require care?

Having a plan means the people you live with won’t panic and will know what to do. Get started today with Prepared BC’s easy, fill-in-the-blanks template: preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan

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If you’re separated from loved ones after an earthquake, how will you get in touch? What if phone lines are jammed?

The people you live with should have an emergency contact list and multiple methods of getting in touch. Consider making a group chat, too!

Get started on your plan today: preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan

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After an earthquake do you need your emergency kit or grab-and-go bag?

That depends on where you are and where it’s safest to shelter after the shaking stops.

✔️Is your home structurally sound? If yes, it’s best to stay where you are and use your emergency kit if you’re without power or water.
✔️Has your home sustained severe damage and is not safe to stay in? Then it’s time to leave with your grab-and-go bags, following directions from local officials.

Learn how to build both: preparedbc.ca/EmergencyKit

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After an earthquake, your home may be safe to stay in, but not have power or water. In that case, you’ll need to use your emergency kit. Get started with this basic list:

✔️Non-perishable food for a minimum of 3 days to a week.
✔️Water: 4 litres per person, per day, for a minimum of 3 days to a week.
✔️Hand-crank or battery-operated radio and flashlights
✔️Batteries and battery bank for device charging
✔️First aid kit & extra medications
✔️Personal hygiene and sanitation items
✔️Seasonal clothing, footwear and blankets

Visit preparedbc.ca/emergencykit for a full list of items and personal considerations.

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During an earthquake, follow all directions from local authorities. To make sure you receive the latest information, bookmark these accounts now:

✅ (ADD YOUR EMERGENCY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS OR WEBSITES)
✅@EmergencyInfoBC on X (formerly twitter)

Don’t forget, if one type of communication is down, others may still be working. Check local TV channels and radio stations, as well as social media accounts, websites and text alerts for important safety information.

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If you feel the unmistakable shaking of an earthquake, don’t wait! Immediately Drop, Cover and Hold On – preferably under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or desk. Many injuries occur when people try to run.

When the shaking stops, count to 60 before getting up, allowing displaced objects to settle. Check around you and consider if the building is safe or if you should leave. Be aware that aftershocks are likely.

Learn more about earthquake preparedness at preparedbc.ca/earthquakes

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When an earthquake strikes, you might not be able to Drop, Cover and Hold On. What should you do if you’re:

❓ In a wheelchair
❓ In bed
❓ In a movie theatre
❓ At the beach
❓ In transit

Learn what to do in these situations and more at preparedbc.ca/earthquakes

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Are you registered for Shake Out BC? Don't delay, sign up today at www.shakeoutbc.ca. When you're done, download the @PreparedBC Earthquake & Tsunami Guide. It has great advice on how to prepare your home and the people you live with before the ground shakes. PreparedBC.ca/Earthquakes

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There are many things to consider for your immediate safety after an earthquake:

⚠️ Is the building safe to stay in?
⚠️ Do you need to connect with your loved ones who may not be with you?
⚠️ Can you check local TV, radio or social media for safety information?

First, make sure you’re physically okay, and in a place that is safe to stay. Then, follow the pre-determined steps in your emergency plan to take the guesswork out of your response. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/earthquakes

Are you prepared in case of a tsunami? Take these steps:

�� Make sure everyone you live with knows their high ground location at (ADD HIGH GROUND/LOCAL RECEPTION CENTRE LOCATIONS)
�� Make sure everyone you live with knows the route to their high ground location – even if they’re at work or school
�� Make sure everyone you live with has a grab-and-go bag

Learn more: preparedbc.ca/tsunamis

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Know where to get information before a tsunami warning is issued, so you know where to go for accurate updates. Bookmark these accounts for quick access.

You’ll find local information at (ADD YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS AND WEBSITE)

Make sure to follow @EmergencyInfoBC for provincial information.

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Because we live on BC’s coast, it’s important to know we are in tsunami notification zone (ADD YOUR LOCAL ZONE). During a tsunami warning, not all zones could be affected. It’s important to understand where the different zones are located, especially if you travel to other areas of the coast.

Learn about the 5 notification zones: preparedbc.ca/tsunamis

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DYK there are different levels of tsunami alerts? Knowing the difference will help you respond quickly and safely if one is issued:

⚠️ Warning
⚠️ Advisory
⚠️ Watch
⚠️ Information Statement
⚠️ Cancellation

Learn what these alerts mean & what action to take for each: preparedbc.ca/tsunamis

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✅ If you just felt an earthquake, don’t wait! Drop, cover and hold on; when the shaking stops, count to 60 before getting up, then move immediately to high ground with your grab-and-go bags.
✅ Follow all directions from officials and monitor these accounts for the latest information: @EmergencyInfoBC, (add your local social media emergency accounts)
✅ Stay at your high ground location until officials tell you it’s safe to leave. Do not go to the shore.
✅ Do not call 911 to report an earthquake; only call 911 for serious injuries. 

For more information: preparedbc.ca/tsunami

(ADD YOUR LOCAL WEBSITE WITH EMERGENCY INFORMATION)