Earthquakes

Saanich could experience an earthquake that causes damage and injury.

We get a lot of earthquakes B.C.: more than 1,200 each year. That works out to three earthquakes a day, but most are too small to be felt.

Experts with the Geological Survey of Canada predict that an earthquake capable of causing structural damage on Canada’s west coast, including Saanich, could happen about once every ten years.

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut 

On Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m., join millions of others in practicing essential earthquake safety measures like “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during the annual ShakeOut event.

Beyond the drill, participants are encouraged to critically review and update their emergency preparedness plans and supplies, while also taking proactive measures to secure their spaces and prevent potential damage and injuries.

Stay tuned to our website and social media accounts for updates on how the District of Saanich will be encouraging everyone to get involved. 

How Earthquakes Happen

The earth's crust is made up of plates which are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. These constantly move, at speeds of about 2 – 10 cm/year. That’s about as fast as your fingernails grow.

The plates can either slide past one another, collide, or move apart.

The west coast of Canada is one of the few areas in the world where all three of these types of plate movements take place.

Protect Yourself

Before an Earthquake

  • Make a plan 
  • Have a kit 
  • Take one of our free emergency preparedness workshops

During an Earthquake

Drop, Cover and Hold On

Experts agree: This is the best way to reduce injury and death during earthquakes.

  • DROP to the ground before the earthquake drops you!
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table.
  • HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

Earthquake safety for kids

Important points to note

  • Don’t try to move; instead immediately protect yourself as best as possible where you are.
  • Earthquakes occur without any warning.
  • They may be so violent that you cannot run or crawl. It will most likely knock you to the ground where you happen to be.
  • You will never know if the initial jolt will turn out to be start of the big one so Drop, Cover, and Hold On immediately! 

As with anything, practice makes perfect. To be ready to protect yourself immediately when the ground starts to shake, practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On as children do in school at least once each year. 

ShakeOut BC has some great information to get ready to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On.