The “Big One” – If You Are Not Prepared, You Must Read This

When will the Big One hit BC? This is the question that is becoming increasingly important and the topic of many discussions.  The last major earthquake to hit our part of the world was in 1700. Due to our proximity to Canada’s most volatile fault line, we live under the threat of a possible ‘megaquake’ every day.

 A magnitude 7-9 earthquake off the South coast of B.C. would cause billions in damages to buildings, bridges, and pipelines. With this in mind, are you prepared for an earthquake?

Below are important steps you can take that will prepare you for this eventuality should it ever happen:

1. Create a disaster preparedness plan

Know what you and your family are going to do before the earthquake happens. Form your plan together and go over it on a regular basis. In your plan:

• Practice earthquake drills
• Identify good places for cover in your home
• Prepare yourself in first aid and CPR.
• Decide on a rallying point for your family for after the earthquake.

2. Check for hazards inside your home and begin to fix them.

There are a number of specific hazards in your home that you can deal with before an earthquake occurs. Important actions to take:

• Fasten all shelves securely to the walls.
• Use brackets to attach wall units, bookcases, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
• Place breakable items (bottles, glass, china, etc.) in closed cabinets that have latches.
• Evaluate your electrical wiring, electrical appliances, and gas connections
• Place breakable items (bottles, glass, china, etc.) in closed cabinets that have latches

3. Make sure you have an earthquake kit in place

An earthquake kit is extremely important for every home. Essential items that you must have in your kit:

• A flashlight with extra batteries. Get a portable, battery-operated radio as well – make sure you have a number of spare batteries.
• Keep candles handy as well, but be careful. You may be dealing with ruptured gas lines or flammable material spills. This may not be apparent in darkness.
• Stock up on at least 2 weeks’ worth of emergency food and water
• Put together a tool kit. Be sure to include wrenches for gas lines, a heavy-duty hammer, work gloves, and a crowbar. Keep matches with it too.
• Keep around heavy-duty plastic bags for waste and to serve as tarps, rain ponchos, etc.
• Pack a full set of comfortable and warm clothes for each family member in plastic bags. Be sure to have sleeping bags and pillows.
• Extra prepaid mobile phones and two-way radios are a good idea, but don’t count on the cell phones working.

4. Keep important information safe

Gather important documents and write down details of important information and store in a fire proof safe. Make sure you include:

• Birth certificates, social insurance cards, insurance policies, wills and household inventory.
• Medical information such as allergies, prescriptions for regular medication.
• Telephone numbers of neighbors, medical centres, insurance agents, your banks, your landlord, property manager, gas, electric and water companies.
• Bank account details, credit and debit account numbers, details of your vehicles, boats, RV etc.

Remember after an earthquake, your home may be a mess, you and your family will be severely traumatized and you might be left without a water supply and energy. By preparing for an earthquake before it happens, you will minimize the damage and potential for injury in and around your home.

If you are looking for a Vancouver home why not let us find you the property or investment that you are looking for? We have over 25 years of experience and know how, making us one of the most trusted realtors on the Lower Mainland. Contact us or call us on 604 913 1000.