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HOME iStock FALL 2018 BCA A .COM 13 a "significant" (magnitude 6 or greater) earthquake hitting part of BC in the next 50 years are as high as one in three. When a major earthquake hits, there could be multiple impacts: compromised roads, infrastructure and services (electricity, water, sewer, gas, Internet), as well as damage to buildings. Communities exposed to the open Pacific Ocean, such as Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet, are additionally susceptible to tsunamis, while low-lying areas in Richmond, Tsawwassen and Victoria may be at risk of flooding and strong currents. Lessons from a shaky past In the first half of the 20th century, there were several strong (magnitude 6 to 8.1) earthquakes in southwestern BC, but things have been relatively quiet since. "This has lulled many people into a false sense of security," says Bird. In 2012, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake set the ground shaking in Haida Gwaii, but there were no casualties and minimal damage. In December 2015, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit off the coast of Vancouver Island. Residents felt vibrations as far east as the Fraser Valley and as far south as Seattle, but there was no damage. According to Bird, the largest and most destructive earthquake in BC's history occurred January 26, 1700. Local First Nations' oral-tradition stories speak of communities on the Island's outer coast being decimated by the quake (which scientists believe to have been magnitude 9) and subsequent tsunami. Based on the likelihood of a reoccurrence, Bird spends much of her time advocating for a stronger commitment to earthquake safety in BC. "We need to foster a culture of earthquake awareness in this province similar to that in Japan and California," she says. Preparation starts at home If all of this seems frightening, here's the good news: a damaging quake hasn't happened yet, and you still have time to protect yourself and your family. Where to start? Since personal injuries due to household hazards are one of the most serious risks in a major earthquake, Pettipas suggests focusing there first: WHEN THE SHAKING STARTS DROP onto your hands and knees to protect yourself from falling. COVER your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, or with your arms and hands. HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. After the shaking stops, stay calm and move carefully, watching for dangerous, unstable objects and hazards. Check for injuries and help yourself first, then assist others. Exit immediately if you smell gas, see signs of fire or otherwise suspect the building to be unsafe. Text rather than call loved ones to avoid clogging phone lines, and only dial 9-1-1 for life-threatening situations. Also keep in mind there may be aftershocks. If the shaking starts again: drop, cover and hold on. Learn more about disaster preparedness at: bcaa.com/earthquake • Anchor tall and heavy furniture, and any other objects taller than they are wide, to wall studs. • Move beds away from windows, as glass can shatter in an earthquake. • Secure appliances like refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers and water heaters using strong straps or connectors. • Place heavy items close to the ground and consider guardrails on open shelves. • Move mirrors and artwork away from above beds and sitting areas, and ensure they're fastened firmly. • Secure cabinet doors with latches to prevent them from flying open. • Keep flammable or hazardous materials in a garage or outside shed to limit the risk of fire or explosion.

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