Did you know around 4,000 earthquakes are recorded in British Columbia each year? Most are too small to be felt, but earthquakes strong enough to cause damage do happen.
Earthquakes can’t be predicted. The first sign may be a loud bang, rumble, or it could be an alert on your cellphone, TV or radio thanks to the Canadian Earthquake Early Warning system.
Earthquake Early Warning system
The Canadian Earthquake Early Warning system detects an earthquake immediately after it occurs, and then issues an alert that can give seconds to tens-of-seconds of warning before the strong shaking starts.
The Earthquake Early Warning system will send alerts to the public through the National Public Alerting System. Alerts will appear on TV, radio and compatible cellphones.
Other countries such as Japan, Taiwan and the United States also have earthquake early warning systems in place.
What to do if you receive an alert
If you receive an emergency alert on your phone, read it. If it’s an earthquake early warning alert, follow the instructions and take immediate action to Drop, Cover and Hold On.
The earthquake early warning alert sent to your cellphone will read:
Earthquake detected! Drop, Cover, and Hold On! Protect yourself!
– Natural Resources Canada
Tremblement de terre détecté! Se baisser, s’abriter, et s’agripper! Protégez-vous !
– Ressources naturelles Canada
Learn how to protect yourself in different situations, like if you’re in a wheelchair, in bed or in a store.
Get prepared for an earthquake
Take the time to prepare. It’s important that all people in British Columbia know what to do during and after a major earthquake and tsunami. Visit PreparedBC.ca/earthquakes
Read the Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness Guide to get tips on making your emergency plan, preparing your home for earthquakes and gathering your supplies.