STEP #4: KNOW WHAT TO DO EARTHQUAKE Although Greater Sudbury is not on an active fault line, we have experienced the effects of earthquakes that have occurred hundreds of kilometers away. We ve also experienced earthquake-like conditions caused by underground blasting or rock bursts that occur as part of mining operations. What to Expect During an Earthquake Small or moderate earthquakes These can last only a few seconds and represent no emergency risk. Ceiling lights may move and some minor rattling of objects may occur in your home. You may feel a slight quiver under your feet if you are outside. If you are close to its source, you may hear a loud bang followed by shaking. Large earthquakes These can last up to several minutes and constitute a natural disaster if its epicenter is near a densely populated area, or its magnitude is sufficiently large for the region. The ground or floor will move, perhaps violently. Whether far away or close to the source, you will probably feel shaking followed by a rolling motion, much like being at sea. If you are far away from the source, you might see swaying buildings or hear a roaring sound. You may feel dizzy and be unable to walk during the earthquake. If you live in a high rise or a multi-storey building, you may experience more sway and less shaking than in a smaller, single-storey building. Lower floors will shake rapidly, much like residential homes. On upper floors, movement will be slower but the building will move farther from side to side. Furnishings and unsecured objects could fall over or slide across the floor. City of Greater Sudbury Earthquake Page 1 of 5
Unsecured light fixtures and ceiling panels may fall. Windows may break. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems may be activated. Lights and power may go off. Before an Earthquake Know the safe spots in each room of your home, workplace, and/or school. A safe place could be against inside walls (away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you), under sturdy tables or desks. Be aware of the dangers in each room. These include windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces, and tall, unsecured furniture. Practice family drills. Physically place yourself in safe locations. This is especially important for children. Teach everyone in the family (if they are old enough) how to turn off the water and electricity. Clearly label the on-off positions for the water, electricity, and gas. If your home is equipped with natural gas, tie or tape the appropriate wrench on or near the pipe to turn off the gas, if necessary. Secure the water heater and heavy appliances (i.e.: fridge, stove, furnace, washer, dryer, gas appliances) by strapping them to the wall studs. This is especially important for items that could break gas or water lines if they shift or topple. Secure top-heavy furniture and shelving units to prevent tipping. Keep heavy items on lower shelves. Secure hanging plants, mirrors, heavy picture frames, and other hanging objects (especially those over beds or sitting areas) so they won t fall off their hooks. Brace overhead light fixtures. Check the structural condition of chimneys, roofs, walls, and foundations. Repair any defects. Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired by a qualified professional. These are potential fire risks. Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to stop contents from spilling out. City of Greater Sudbury Earthquake Page 2 of 5
Keep flammable items and household chemicals away from heat (i.e.: in the garage or an outside shed) and where they are less likely to spill. Find out if your school or workplace has an earthquake plan, and learn it. During an Earthquake If you are indoors STAY INSIDE. DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON. o Drop to the ground. o Take Cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture. If there isn t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building away from tall or heavy objects. If you are in a hallway, crouch down against an inside wall. If you are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect the back of your head and neck. DO NOT use a doorway for cover. Doors may slam shut and cause injuries. o Hold On to the object you are under until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. If you must leave the building after the shaking stops, use the stairs rather than an elevator in case of aftershocks, power outages or other damage. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS! If you are in an elevator during an earthquake, hit the button for every floor and get out as soon as you can. Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off during an earthquake, even if there is no fire. City of Greater Sudbury Earthquake Page 3 of 5
If you are outdoors STAY OUTSIDE. Go to an open area away from buildings, power lines, trees, and streetlights and stay there until the shaking stops. o The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects. DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON. If you are near unstable slopes or cliffs, watch out for falling rocks and other debris. If you are in a crowded public place, take cover where you won t be trampled. Do not rush for the doors. Move away from display shelves containing objects that may fall. If you are in a vehicle REMAIN IN THE VEHICLE. Pull over to a safe place where you are not blocking the road. Keep roads clear for rescue and emergency vehicles. Avoid stopping near or under bridges, overpasses, underpasses, buildings or anything that could collapse. Stop the car and turn on your emergency warning lights. Wait for the shaking to stop. DO NOT attempt to move your vehicle or exit your vehicle if downed power lines are across it. Wait to be rescued. City of Greater Sudbury Earthquake Page 4 of 5
After an Earthquake DO NOT CALL 911 UNLESS YOU OR SOMEONE WITH YOU REQUIRES LIFE-SAVING ASSISTANCE. STAY OFF THE PHONE. People with life-threatening emergencies need to be able to call 911. If you do not require emergency assistance, leave the phone lines open for those who do. Check for injuries and assist others if you are able. Do not move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger. Check for fires, gas, and water leaks and damaged electrical wiring or sewer lines. o DO NOT light matches or turn on light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks or flammable liquids spilled. o Use a flashlight to check utilities and do not shut them off unless damaged. Check your home for structural damage and other hazards. If you suspect your home is unsafe, do not re-enter. o Inspect the entire length of the chimney for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire. If tap water is still available immediately after the earthquake, fill a bathtub and other containers in case the supply gets cut off. If there is no running water, remember that you may have water available in a hot water tank (make sure water is not hot before touching it) and toilet reservoir (not the bowl). Do not flush toilets if you suspect sewer lines are broken. Clean up any spilled hazardous materials. Wear proper hand and eye protection. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals. Stay away from damaged areas. Turn on a portable radio and listen for information and instructions from public safety authorities. Follow their instructions. Be careful when driving after an earthquake and anticipate traffic light outages. Be prepared for aftershocks. City of Greater Sudbury Earthquake Page 5 of 5