The earthquake that rattled southwest B.C. last week was only a minor tremor but the city of Coquitlam wants residents to be prepared if any larger shakeups hit the region.
An emergency preparedness session is being held at city hall this month covering topics ranging from typical earthquake damage and hazards to assembling emergency supplies. The workshop will also cover family communication and reunification, with explanations on how residents can protect themselves at home or work.
The session will be held in council chambers (3000 Guildford Way) on Wednesday, Jan. 20, between 7 and 9 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and participants can register at signmeup.coquitlam.ca.
Port Coquitlam will also be holding emergency preparedness courses this winter and spring, with the focus on teaching residents how to survive for at least 72 hours after a major disaster.
Registration is still open for the March 5 and May 28 events, and all courses are held at PoCo’s No. 1 Fire Hall (1725 Broadway St.) between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Refreshments are included. For more information go to www.portcoquitlam.ca).
The magnitude-4.3 quake hit at around 11:39 p.m. on Dec. 29 and was centred about 8 km east of Sidney, between Victoria and Vancouver, according to Earthquakes Canada. The shaker lasted only a couple of seconds but created immediate fear among some residents that it could just be the start of a much more serious quake or might be followed by significant aftershocks. Neither scenario materialized and no tsunami warning was issued.
Natural Resources Canada said it had received no reports of damage while Emergency Management B.C. urged residents to treat the event as a wake-up call and prepare earthquake kits for the potential for a more serious quake in the future.
Everyone should have food, water and other supplies to survive 72 hours unassisted in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Emergency kits are recommended for home, the workplace and your vehicle.
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Here are some earthquake tips from the city of Coquitlam:
• Do a hazard hunt to find items at home or work that might fall during an earthquake, then secure them.
• Assemble a home emergency kit in a portable container and store it in an accessible location.
• Know how to shut off utilities at the source to avoid gas and water leaks.
• Create an evacuation plan that includes a safe family meeting place.
• Arrange an out-of-province/area contact to act as a message centre for your family and keep their contact information with you.
• Make copies of important documents, like insurance and medical records, and store them in a safe location.
• Keep a flashlight and hard-soled shoes beside each family member’s bed.
• Always maintain a 1/4 tank of gas in your vehicle.
• Plan and practise the “drop, cover and hold on” procedure with your family.
@gmckennaTC
-with files from Jeff Nagel
