B.C.'s 4.7-magnitude earthquake a reminder to be prepared, say experts and officials
Those who are indoors during an earthquake should stop, cover and hold on
Experts and officials are saying Friday's 4.7 magnitude earthquake, felt across southwest B.C., is a wake-up call that British Columbians need to be prepared for an emergency situation.
The quake occurred at 1:26 p.m. off B.C.'s Sunshine Coast Friday afternoon at a depth of about 1 kilometre. Officials say no structural damage or injuries were reported.
Friday's quake is a reminder that many people aren't prepared for a large earthquake, said Sheri Molnar, a geologist who leads the Metro Vancouver Seismic Microzonation Project.
"We're not ready for a very strong earthquake and we're not ready for an earthquake that would cause damage," Molnar told CBC's On The Coast on Friday.
Through the seismic zoning project Molnar and a team of researchers have been mapping and identifying areas in the Lower Mainland that are more prone to earthquake hazards. Their work, which tracks shaking, liquefaction and landslide hazards is available for free online.
Earthquakes that are felt widely across the Lower Mainland have historically happened about once a decade, she said.
But the region is in a tectonic plate margin, and quakes of any size can happen at any moment, Molnar said.
"You should always be ready for an earthquake."
What to do in an earthquake?
Naomi Yamamoto, president of the B.C. Earthquake Alliance said the first thing a person should do if they are indoors during an earthquake is to drop, cover their head while taking shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on.
It's also important to stay away from exterior walls where there are windows that can shatter, she said.
Despite what many have said in the past, Yamamoto said it is not safe to be under a door frame during an earthquake.
"That's really important that we dispel that myth that you are safe in the door frame," she said.
How to prepare ahead of time?
Importantly, Yamamoto said people should have an earthquake kit in their home and a grab-and-go bag ready.
An at home earthquake kit should have a supply of water and food for 1-2 weeks.
A grab-and-go bag is something smaller that shouldn't be too heavy. Yamamoto said it should include items such as protein bars, water, batteries, a hand crank flashlight, a small first aid kit, and cash.
B.C. Minister of Emergency Management Kelly Greene said Friday's earthquake was an important reminder for people to have a plan in place for after a quake.
Households should develop a plan ahead of time that includes a post-quake meeting point, she said.
"I'm very grateful that today's event wasn't more serious, but we need to use this as an opportunity to be ready for a big one," Greene said.
More information on how to prepare for an earthquake is available on the Prepared B.C. website.
With files from On The Coast and Meera Bains