Preparing your Home for an Earthquake

Be prepared

Plan and prepare yourself and your family for an earthquake or another major disaster

Make an evacuation plan

• Designate a family meeting place - one just outside the home and a secondary place outside of the neighbourhood
• Establish an out of province contact
• Prepare your home 
• Prepare emergency supplies
• Go through your home, imagining what could happen to each part of it if it were shaken violently.
• Seek advice from professionals (insurance, engineers, architects) if you are unsure what to do.

If you live in a condo or apartment building, you may experience more sway and less vibration than in a single-storey building. Work with your building or strata corporation manager to help quake-proof your home. 

Prepare your home

• Know your utility shut-off valves (gas, electric, water)
• Plan all possible exits
• Check for home hazards: Is the house bolted to its foundations? Are the walls braced? Chimneys weak? Are roof tiles loose? Make necessary repairs now
• Tie down your water heater and other appliances that could break gas or water lines if they topple.
• Secure top-heavy furniture (eg: shelving units) to prevent tipping. Keep heavy items on lower shelves. ]
• Fix mirrors and other hanging objects so they won't fall of hooks.
• Locate beds away from chimneys, windows, heavy pictures, etc.
• Closed curtains will help keep broken window glass off nearby occupied beds.
• Put anti-skid pads (eg: Velcro) under TVs, VCRs, computers and small appliances.
• Store valuable documents and special small keepsakes in a fire-resistant place.
• Keep sturdy shoes and outdoor clothing handy.
• Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to stop contents from spilling out.
• Keep flammable items and household chemicals away from heat and where they can't spill. Keep them in safe cupboard if they can't be stored in an outside shed.
• Put plywood up in the attic on joists around each chimney to help prevent bricks and mortar from coming through a ceiling.