Living in a seismically active area requires special preparation for your safety and to minimize the scope of damage. In Canada, significant earthquakes do happen, especially on the west coast. But remember, earthquakes can't be predicted. As a result, you must be prepared for them at any time. The following post covers the necessary preparations for living in an earthquake-prone area. You get to learn the risk of earthquakes in Canada, simple tips for developing a family emergency plan, how to check for housing safety, and so much more.
Earthquake Risk in Canada
Earthquakes are indeed a significant potential hazard for Canada and the western part of the country, where British Columbia is at the epicenter. The Cascadia Subduction Zone has been identified as a zone of very active seismicity that affects the coastline that strikes British Columbia. The record of the history of significant earthquakes in this area is undoubted, and scientists have warned that something even more significant may be ready to happen.
The hazards are not limited to British Columbia; significant earthquakes have affected the Ottawa Valley and the Charlevoix Seismic Zone in Quebec. Although the east is significantly less active seismically than the west, Montreal and the Atlantic provinces have also had to endure mild seismic activity.
Awareness of these risks drives residents and local governments to prioritize safety measures. These measures will see the community well prepared. Besides, the building codes in Canada have been updated to reflect seismic risks, especially those in high-risk areas. Older buildings may not meet current standards.
The Canadian Earthquake Early Warning (CEEW) system contributes to alerts ranging from critical seconds to tens of seconds before an earthquake occurs. This can help people to do immediate protective actions like "Drop, Cover, and Hold On," which in large part mitigate injuries and loss of life.
Developing a Family Emergency Plan
A proper family emergency plan is needed in planning for an earthquake. Discuss with family the expectations you have in case of such incidents. Determine well in advance those safe places within every room, under or near sturdy furniture like worktables against interior walls away from windows and heavy furniture. Periodically practice Drop, Cover, and Hold drills so that everyone knows what steps to take when the tremors hit.
Have everyone know how to turn off utilities like gas, water, and electricity. This prevents fires and other post-earthquake hazards. Install safety latches in cabinets where items are stored so they cannot fall out. Be sure to secure heavy furniture to the walls. Have a communication plan in place, including a list of emergency numbers. Don't forget a meeting point outside the house should you get separated.
Build an emergency kit. Ensure you fill it with non-perishable meals, water, medications, and supplies for at least three days. Don't forget flashlights, batteries, a first-aid bag, and copies of essential docs. Have a grab-and-go kit with enough food to last a few days after the disaster for your family and pets.
Be informed about local emergency response plans. Determine the nearest local emergency shelter and evacuation routes. Have a proper, updated plan incorporating necessary household or environmental changes.
Daily Housing Safety Inspections
Safety inspections in the home daily are necessary to prevent injury and damage from an earthquake. First, attach heavy or tall furniture and other items, like bookcases and refrigerators, to the walls with brackets or straps. Further, hang pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit, ensuring they are safely attached to the walls.
Check to ensure that cabinet doors have latches which will keep them securely closed when shaking occurs. Do not stack items that are not adequately secured to prevent falling to great heights, with heavier stores on lower shelves. If you have a water heater, strap it onto the wall to prevent it from tipping over.
Periodically check your house to see if the foundation and the structure have developed cracks or weak points that an earthquake may exacerbate. Make sure your home is built to the latest construction codes, or upgrade where you live, especially in a building with some age. Retrofit, as needed, and in ways useful to strengthening your home against earthquakes, with the expertise of a structural engineer.
Know how to turn off your utilities. Learn where your gas, water, and electrical shut-off valves are. You may need to close them after a quake to prevent fires and flooding.
Learning Evacuation and First Aid Skills
It is essential to be prepared for quakes by learning how to evacuate and give first aid. In these disasters, you might be required to vacate your home as soon as possible. Know and practice the different routes of evacuation with your family. See that these are neither clogged nor difficult to access.
First aid training can save lives in the aftermath of an earth tremor. Enroll in a certified emergency care and CPR course. Knowing how to treat injuries like cuts, bruises, and fractures can make a significant difference in these unexpected calamities. Also, keep a well-stocked first assistance box at home and in your emergency bag.
Take part in community drills and preparedness programs. Such things usually are an excellent opportunity to practice and get advice on how to respond when an earthquake occurs. Find information on local emergency services and how to reach them in a disaster.
Establish Emergency Contacts with Your Neighbors
Having emergency contacts with your neighbors is one vital step relevant to earthquake preparedness. After a quake, you might need help from those around you. Building a support network can help ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for.
Begin by getting to know your nearby people and exchanging communication information. Develop a neighborhood call list, including phone numbers, email addresses, and any special skills or resources that might be of benefit in an emergency. It will be a precious tool in checking up on each other after an earthquake.
Hold meetings regularly on the discussion and execution of the emergency action planned to test it. This will help everybody to know what to do and where to go during an earthquake. Identify a central meeting place where neighbors can meet and coordinate efforts.
Understand the Earthquake Insurance Options Available
Knowing what your options are for earthquake insurance will do a great deal to ensure that your home is protected. Most average home insurance policies do not cover you in the event of an earthquake happening. Thus, an additional policy needs to be bought to become protected. Some companies to consider are TD Insurance, Square One, and more.
Contact your insurance provider for specifics. Earthquake insurance covers repairs to your home, personal property replacement, and additional living expenses in case you need to relocate for a while. Read over your policy details and learn what is and isn't covered.
Prepare with Portable Power Stations
Portable power stations are devices that sustain electricity during and after an earthquake. The devices ensure a reliable flow of power in their working mechanism when the standard electric power sources fail to function, thus allowing you the opportunity to stay connected and keep other essential functions on course.
But choose the right portable power station that suits your needs, including capacity, battery type, and output options. Make sure essential devices such as phones, laptops, medical equipment, and lighting are well supported by this power station. A few suggested options in that case would be:
BLUETTI AC200PL Portable Power Station
This model is capable of 2,400W of rated power, fit for almost all home and RV appliances. Supported by the Power Lifting Mode, this power capability can reach a high of 3,600W for those appliances. Thus, it's just what you need for earthquake preparedness in Canada. In the event of extended power outages, the expandable capacity, up to 8,448Wh with appropriate batteries, ensures continuous power supply. The AC200P L also features rapid 2,400W Turbo Charging, which allows up to 80% of the product to be charged in only one hour. Besides, multiple charging options via AC, solar, car, generator, and lead-acid batteries offer maximum flexibility—so that you, with assurance, can stay powered up in case of an earthquake emergency.
BLUETTI AC70P Portable Power Station
The unit, with a capacity that reaches 864Wh and allows continuous output of up to 1,000W, is the solution for earthquake preparedness in Canada. Also, being extremely portable, it ensures your life-supporting appliances are all on and working, regardless of the circumstances. It will be able to power most applications with its 1,000W rating and features a Power Lifting Mode in which total output can be boosted to 2000W for high-power appliances. Besides, with B80P, B230, and B300 batteries, you would have multiple power storage options. Lastly, the AC70P is compatible with various input charging means: either from the wall, solar, car, generator, or LiFePO₄ battery charging.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, earthquake preparedness is a combination of knowledge, planning, and resources. Your understanding of the risks, a family emergency plan, regular safety inspections, essential skills, and community contacts are the five pillars that would strengthen your resilience. Also, be sure to have appropriate insurance and reliable power sources, such as portable power stations, for safety and comfort during earthquakes.
