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Plan now for an earthquake

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, thousands of British Columbians, including Tri-City residents, students and workers took cover in The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in Canadian history.

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, thousands of British Columbians, including Tri-City residents, students and workers took cover in The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in Canadian history.

According to local home insurer,Canadian Direct Insurance, there are simple steps British Columbians can take to protect themselves and their home from common and preventable damage from earthquakes, including participating in the Shakeout drill and practising drills regularly at home.

Some of the most common types of earthquake damage include,

Fire from ruptured gas lines

Flooding from ruptured pipes

Structural damage

Personal property damage - broken windows and property like computers and televisions

However, building collapse is rare in B.C., says Karen Hopkins Lee, chief underwriter at Canadian Direct Insurance, "The greatest damage in homes comes from fires and flooding resulting from ruptured gas and water lines, and most people are injured in earthquakes by objects falling on them."

These threats are real but preventable. Canadian Direct provides the following tips homeowners and renters can use to reduce the risk of earthquake damage to their home and family:

Learn how and when to turn off the gas and water lines into your home and designate a 12 to 16 inch adjustable wrench for this purpose.

Locate and know how to turn off your electrical system at the main circuit breaker or fuse box.

Strap your water heater to a wall.

Move or secure objects that could fall on you such as books, plants, pieces of china, or anything hanging. Heavy objects such as bookcases or top-heavy furniture should be secured. If this is not practical, be prepared to move away from them if an earthquake strikes.

Remove or isolate flammable materials.

Don't place your bed near a window or hang heavy objects such as mirrors or paintings in a position where they could fall on the bed.

Put latches on cabinets so contents do not spill out.

Secure TVs and computers.

Always keep a fire extinguisher in your home and make sure you know the location of emergency exits and fire alarms.

Check your home insurance policy to ensure you have adequate earthquake insurance coverage in the event of damage.

Always keep on hand an emergency survival kit containing food, sleeping bags, medication, first-aid supplies and bottled water. Rotate water and food to ensure freshness.

Always have handy a battery-powered radio and flashlight, and have spare batteries for both. Remember, the radio may be your only source of information following an earthquake.

In the event of a requirement to evacuate, homeowners should have a kit ready and available to include:

First-aid materials

Flashlight, radio and spare batteries

Important papers and cash

Food

Sleeping bags/blankets

Extra clothes

Toiletries and personal items

Baby supplies (if applicable)

dstrandberg@tricitynews.com