Western Canada is the most seismically active region in Canada. It consists of several discrete areas of intense earthquake activity.
The area with the most seismic activity in this region is offshore, west of Vancouver Island, which puts residents in Greater Victoria at risk. More than 100 earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 or greater have occurred here in the past 70 years.
The most important thing to remember during an earthquake is to:
DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops
The Esquimalt Emergency Program has plans and resources to help citizens following natural disasters or emergencies.
Families must prepare themselves to become self-sufficient for at least one week following an earthquake: This is the minimum amount of time it may take for communications, transportation networks, and other services to be restored following a major emergency.
To find out how, visit prepareyourself.ca and download your Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region.
