Earthquake Preparedness: 10 Life-Saving Tips for West Coast Residents & Why Training Your Dog is Essential
- Brad Pattison
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Living along the west coast of British Columbia means preparing for the reality of earthquakes. A major seismic event can strike at any time, and being ready could mean the difference between life and death. Here are ten crucial earthquake preparedness tips to keep your family safe, plus why training your family dog in search and locate skills can be a game-changer in an emergency.
10 Essential Earthquake Preparedness Tips
1. Create an Emergency Plan Ensure all family members know evacuation routes, safe meeting points, and emergency contacts.
2. Build an Earthquake Emergency Kit Your kit should include food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, medications, and essential documents.
3. Secure Heavy Furniture and Appliances Bolt down bookcases, water heaters, and other heavy objects to prevent them from toppling over during a quake.
4. Identify Safe Zones in Your Home Teach your family to ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ under sturdy furniture or against interior walls away from windows.
5. Have a Family Communication Plan Establish a way to check in with loved ones in case cell networks go down.
6. Practice Earthquake Drills Regularly Run practice drills with your family, including your dog, to ensure everyone knows how to react during an earthquake.
7. Know How to Shut Off Utilities Learn how to turn off gas, electricity, and water in case of damage to prevent fires and flooding.
8. Stock Up on Pet Emergency Supplies Include extra pet food, water, medications, and a leash in your emergency kit.
9. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy Have numbers for local emergency services, veterinarians, and neighbours ready.
10. Train Your Dog in Search & Locate Skills A trained dog can find trapped or lost family members, increasing survival chances in an earthquake.
Why Train Your Dog to Search for Trapped Family Members?
In the aftermath of a major earthquake, emergency responders may take time to reach affected areas. Your trained dog can provide an invaluable head start in finding and assisting trapped family members. Here’s why:
· Dogs Have Exceptional Scenting Abilities Their powerful noses can locate people trapped under rubble, even when human senses fail.
· Dogs Can Cover Ground Quickly Unlike humans, dogs can navigate difficult terrain and locate missing persons efficiently.
· Immediate Action Saves Lives A trained search-and-locate dog can provide first-response assistance while waiting for professional rescuers.
· Brings Families Peace of Mind Knowing your dog is prepared to assist in a disaster offers reassurance and security.
Enroll in Hustle Up Dog Training’s Search & Locate Course
Hustle Up Dog Training in Vancouver offers a specialized Search and Locate course, teaching dogs to track and locate lost or trapped family members during an emergency. Our program is designed for West Coast families who want to enhance their earthquake preparedness and maximize survival chances.
Sign up today and give your dog the skills to help protect your loved ones!
News Links talking about the growing concern all west coast citizens need to be aware of. A life changing earthquake is due to hit the west coast of Canada. It's only a matter of time.
British Columbia is the most seismically active region in Canada, with significant earthquake risk due to its position along the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The probability of a damaging earthquake depends on location and magnitude:
Small to moderate earthquakes (M4.0–M6.0) happen regularly, but most are not destructive.
Larger earthquakes (M6.0–M7.0) occur every few decades and can cause localized damage.
Major megathrust earthquakes (M8.0–M9.0) happen every 300–500 years. The last massive Cascadia earthquake (M9.0) was in 1700, meaning the region is due for another one in the coming centuries.
Experts estimate a 10-15% chance of an M9.0+ Cascadia megathrust earthquake in the next 50 years. For a damaging M6.0+ earthquake near Vancouver or Victoria, the probability is higher, potentially 30-40% over the next few decades.
Risk by region
Here’s a breakdown of earthquake risk by region in British Columbia, based on seismic history, fault lines, and geological assessments:
1. Vancouver Island (especially west coast)
High risk
Close to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca Plate dives beneath North America.
West coast communities like Tofino, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni are vulnerable to strong shaking and tsunamis.
Victoria and the southern island are also at high risk, with frequent small quakes and potential for a damaging event.
2. Greater Vancouver Area
High risk
Dense population combined with proximity to several fault systems, including the Fraser River Delta (which could amplify shaking).
A shallow crustal earthquake (M6.0–M7.0) beneath or near the city could cause serious damage.
3. Gulf Islands
Moderate to high risk
Similar geology to southern Vancouver Island; vulnerable to both megathrust earthquakes and local crustal faults.
4. Southwest Interior (e.g., Hope, Merritt, Kamloops)
Moderate risk
Faults like the Penticton–Hope fault system increase local risk, though less active than coastal zones.
5. Central and Northern BC
Low to moderate risk
Less seismic activity, but intraplate earthquakes can still occur (e.g., the M6.0 earthquake near Terrace in 1970).
Generally less population density lowers potential for major impact.
6. Haida Gwaii
High risk
Location near the Queen Charlotte Fault (similar to the San Andreas Fault).
Experienced a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in 2012, Canada’s second-largest recorded earthquake.
Also has tsunami risk.
Summary Table
Region | Earthquake Risk | Notes |
West Vancouver Island | Very High | Strong shaking + tsunami risk |
Greater Vancouver | High | Urban vulnerability |
Victoria/Southern Island | High | Close to major fault zones |
Gulf Islands | Moderate-High | Local and megathrust risk |
Interior BC | Moderate | Faults near Hope and Kamloops |
Haida Gwaii | High | Active strike-slip fault |
Northern BC | Low-Moderate | Infrequent, but possible |
Want a visual risk map or info on how to prepare for your area?
Understanding the seismic risks in various regions of British Columbia is crucial for preparedness and mitigation. Visual aids like seismic hazard maps can provide a clearer picture of these risks.
Seismic Hazard Maps:
Natural Resources Canada offers a Simplified Seismic Hazard Map for British Columbia, illustrating the relative seismic hazard across the province. This map highlights areas with varying probabilities of experiencing strong earthquake shaking.
The Government of British Columbia provides a regional hazard map, detailing potential hazards, including earthquakes, specific to different areas within the province. Government of British Columbia
Earthquake Preparedness Tips:
Given the seismic activity in British Columbia, it's essential to be prepared:
Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and medications to last at least 72 hours.
Family Plan: Develop and practice an emergency plan with your family, including meeting points and communication strategies.
Home Safety: Secure heavy furniture, appliances, and items that could fall during an earthquake. Consider a professional assessment of your home's structural integrity.
Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures and stay updated through official channels during seismic events.
For more detailed information on earthquake preparedness, visit PreparedBC.
By understanding the specific risks in your region and taking proactive measures, you can enhance your safety and resilience against potential earthquakes.
About the Author
Written by Brad Pattison, World-Renowned Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Puppy Trainer
Author of four dog training books, National Best Seller, "Brad Pattison UNLEASHED"
Host of three television shows including, "At the End of My Leash" & "Puppy SOS"
Follow us on socials, IG: @hustleupdogs & Facebook: Hustle Up Dog Training
Email us anytime with questions & comments at info@hustleupdogtraining.ca
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