Vancouver sits right on the boundaries of 2 major plates (Juan De Fuca and the North American Plate). On Jan 26, 1700 Vancouver was hit by an estimated magnitude 9.0 earthquake that literally ripped the city apart. Even more so Greater Vancouver has a 1/10 chance of being hit by an earthquake of a magnitude of 9.0 or higher in the next 50 years. The tensions between those 2 plates was fully released at that time but began rebuilding immediately and Vancouver is expecting to have a big earthquake aka “The Big One” less than every 500 years.  Just judging by the reactions of people on Social Media tonight, you can tell that most of us (including my family and friends) are not ready for the Big One at all. Tonight’s earthquake was a 4.8 on the Richter Scale according to the USGS, now imagine an earthquake 10 times stronger than what we felt tonight…. you have just imagined a 5.8. We are expecting a 9.0+ so that means potentially an earthquake 40+ times stronger than what we just felt. For a recent example we only have to look back to 2004 Boxing Day at the earthquake that hit the Indian Subcontinent.

Do you have an emergency supply kit in your house? An emergency exit plan? Do you know where you’re going to take cover when an earthquake hits? If you answered no to any of these questions you are not prepared for the big one. In short you should have an emergency supply kit in your house with all the essentials, some companies even sell pre-made kits online. You should know where in your house the best spots to take cover are to protect yourself from falling objects. Ideally under a sturdy non-glass table. No matter where you take cover under remember to “DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.” Once the shaking stops, count to 60 and head outside to an open park in case of after shocks. If possible grab your emergency supplies on the way out or if you are unable to exit the house make your way to your emergency supplies. For more detailed instructions on what to do visit Get Prepared Canada

 

 

Sources: CBC; Get Prepared Canada;