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An earthquake that measured 5.5 on the Richter scale shook parts of Ontario and Quebec, including Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal this afternoon. The epicentre of the quake was Buckingham, near Gatineau, Quebec. Tremors were also reported in Michigan, New York and Ohio.
Earthquakes strike without warning, so learn before the quake strikes how to protect yourself and your family as fully as possible. Allstate Insurance Company of Canada and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, recommend the following actions to protect your family and home before and during an earthquake.
Preparation
• Create a family disaster safety plan. Assemble a disaster safety kit. Together, identify escape routes from your home and neighbourhood. Choose an emergency meeting place for the family.
• Most injuries during an earthquake occur because objects fall. Take time to make your home safer.
• Anchor bookcases and filing cabinets to nearby walls.
• Install latches on drawers and cabinet doors so they are less likely to swing open.
• Install ledge barriers on shelves, place heavy objects on lower shelves, and secure large, heavy breakables directly to shelves.
• Use closed eyescrews and wire to securely attach framed pictures and mirrors to the walls.
• Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and other hanging items to the permanent structure of your house.
• Anchor large appliances to walls using safety cables or straps.
• Secure your water heater to nearby walls.
If you are indoors
• Drop to the floor, take cover under something strong like a desk or table, and hold on to it.
• “Drop, cover and hold” until the shaking stops.
• Move away from windows, skylights, doors and things that can fall.
• Stay inside, and do not leave the building – you may be hit by falling debris.
If you are outdoors
• Move quickly and safely into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings.
• Drop to the ground and cover your head with your arms until the shaking stops.
If you are in a vehicle
•Carefully bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road, away from traffic.
•Do not stop on or under bridges, under power lines or near roadway signs that might fall.
• Once the shaking has stopped you can continue driving, but watch carefully for damage to the roadway.
• Earthquakes cannot be predicted, although some scientists are working on this. Because earthquakes strike without warning, it is important that every member of your family knows what to do when an earthquake strikes. Learn about your disaster safety plans in the workplace and at your children’s school and/or childcare centre.
For more information on how to protect your home from earthquakes or to arrange an interview with Tony Irwin, Allstate’s official spokesperson, please contact:
Ingrid Pulpan
Thornley Fallis Communications
(416) 515-7517, ext. 341
pulpan@thornleyfallis.com
