Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/411777
Steven Hughes winter 2014 bca a .com 39 Prep Talk AT H O M E DID YOU KNOW? Even renters need earthquake insurance to protect personal belong- ings. Find out more at bcaa.com/home B y this time, you may have heard plenty about what to do in an earthquake. Well, these tips will tell you what not to do (courtesy of Emergency Management BC and ShakeOut BC). After all, when an earthquake hits, there are some unsafe and disruptive things you should avoid doing – and this information is just as important in keeping your family and your home as safe as possible. During an earthquake • Don't stand in a doorway. This oft-cited strategy is a popular misconception. Instead, drop, cover and hold on. If there's no heavy desk or table to get under, get on all fours near an interior wall or in a hallway, and cover your head and neck. • Don't stay near windows or outside doors. • Don't try to run outside, especially if you are in an area of tall buildings. Falling debris could make that hazardous. • Don't go near power lines or tall buildings if you're outdoors when the shaking starts. • Don't keep driving. Pull over and wait it out. Then proceed with caution. After the quake • Don't assume it's all over once the initial shaking stops. There will almost certainly be aftershocks, so be prepared. • Don't wait for a tsunami warning. If you're near water and the shaking was strong and prolonged, try to evacuate to high ground. • Don't use elevators, in case they're damaged. • Don't assume that your furniture and fixtures are stable. The shaking may have made them unsteady and prone to topple. Chimneys are particularly dangerous. • Don't drink the water until authorities say it's safe to do so. • Don't hang around if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure you're in may be unstable, or if you smell gas or suspect a leak. Get out right away. • Don't use matches, candles or any flame until you're sure there are no gas leaks. • Don't wade in standing water, particularly indoors. It could be sewage, or it may be hiding live wires. • Don't use generators, pressure washers, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage or camper. These items pro- duce carbon monoxide – odourless, colourless and poisonous. • Don't use the phone unless it's critical, as lines need to be kept open for emergencies. n LEARN MORE! Find additional earthquake preparedness information at bcaa.com/earthquake FOR MEMBERS ONLY This space could be yours! Got an earthquake tip to share? Email westworld@bcaa.com or ta lk to us on Facebook and Twitter, and you just might see your story in a future issue. } Knowing what not to do when the shaking starts can help keep you and your home better protected by Steve burgeSS Earthquake Don'ts