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Earthquakes

Sudden shaking can damage buildings and infrastructure. Drop, cover, hold on immediately. Prepare for aftershocks and disruption.

Risk Tier B Reviewed: verified on 2026-11-01

Earthquake risk in Canada

Earthquakes occur in all provinces but risk varies:

  • British Columbia: Most seismic; largest and most frequent earthquakes
  • Southern Quebec & Ontario: St. Lawrence and Ottawa River valleys at risk
  • Atlantic Canada: Rare; can cause tsunamis
  • Northern territories: Large earthquakes possible
  • Other provinces: Low risk; minor quakes possible

Destructive earthquakes may cause structural collapse, falling debris, landslides, fires, flooding, and tsunamis.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

Know earthquake basics

  • Earthquakes cannot be predicted - occur suddenly, any time
  • Duration: Seconds to a minute
  • Immediate response: DROP-COVER-HOLD ON (within seconds)

Stock emergency supplies

  • 72-hour emergency kit with:
    • Water (pipes may break; assume tap is unsafe)
    • First aid kit (expect injuries)
    • Battery-powered light and radio
    • Medications and medical equipment
    • Important documents

Secure furniture and appliances

  • Bolt bookcases, dressers, TVs to walls
  • Strap water heater to wall studs
  • Move heavy items to lower shelves
  • Nothing should hang above bed or seating areas

Identify safe spots

  • Under sturdy table (protects from falling objects)
  • Against interior wall away from windows
  • Practice DROP-COVER-HOLD ON with household

Know utility shutoffs

  • Gas shutoff: Wrench, turn perpendicular to pipe
  • Water shutoff: Turn main valve clockwise
  • Electrical shutoff: Flip main breaker to OFF
  • Label each location; take photos

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

First seconds: DROP-COVER-HOLD ON

If indoors:

  1. DROP to ground immediately
  2. COVER head and neck under sturdy table or against interior wall, away from windows
  3. HOLD ON until shaking stops (seconds to a minute)

If outdoors:

  • Drop to ground
  • Move away from buildings, power lines, trees
  • Crouch low; cover head and neck

If in vehicle:

  • Pull over away from buildings, overpasses, bridges
  • Set parking brake; stay in car
  • Listen to radio for instructions
  • If power lines down across vehicle: wait for rescue

At work/school:

  • Get under desk or against interior wall
  • If in hallway: crouch against interior wall, cover head
  • Do NOT use elevators

AFTER EARTHQUAKE STOPS

Immediate checks

  1. Check yourself and others for injuries; treat with first aid
  2. Expect aftershocks - Be ready to DROP-COVER-HOLD ON again
  3. Inspect home for:
    • Gas smell (turn off at meter; do NOT use switches; leave and call 911)
    • Water leaks (turn off water main)
    • Electrical damage (sparks, exposed wires)
    • Cracks in walls/ceiling
    • Broken glass/fallen items

Communication

  • Do NOT make phone calls; use texting only (preserves emergency lines)
  • Listen to radio for official instructions
  • Text out-of-area contact once systems work

Hazard safety

  • Do NOT light matches or use switches until sure no gas leak or spilled flammables
  • Stay 10 metres from downed power lines
  • Do NOT re-enter damaged buildings
  • Fill bathtub with water in case supply is cut
  • Check on neighbors

Watch for secondary hazards

  • Aftershocks (can topple unstable structures)
  • Landslides
  • Flooding
  • Fires
  • Tsunamis (coastal areas)