Earthquake preparedness guide: How to minimize and protect yourself from earthquake-related damage

• Secure heavy furniture and shelving units to the wall to prevent them from tipping during an earthquake.
• Keep heavy and breakable items on lower shelves.
• Securely anchor mirrors, pictures and other hanging objects to the wall.
• Do not hang objects (i.e., mirrors, framed pictures, shelves) around your bed, couches or chairs.
• Use latches to secure all cupboard and cabinet doors to prevent the contents from spilling out.
• Use straps to securely anchor your water heater to the wall.
• Anchor other heavy appliances (i.e., stove, washer) as they may break gas or water lines if they shift or topple over during an earthquake. You may also consider hiring a professional to install a flexible gas line.
• Use anti-skid pads, Velcro or buckles to secure TVs, computers, stereos, microwaves and other small appliances to desks, tables or countertops.
• Repair or replace loose roof shingles.
• Prune or remove trees and branches that are close to your roof or power lines.

It’s also important that you and your household know how to turn off the water, electricity and gas in your home in the event of an earthquake. It’s recommended that you clearly label the on-off positions for your water, electricity and gas so there’s no second guessing in an emergency.

Creating and maintaining a home inventory list can help the claims process go smoother if you experience earthquake-related damage or loss.

When creating — and updating — your home inventory, we recommend:

• Going through your home, room by room, to document and photograph your possessions and belongings. Your inventory should include a detailed description, serial number, purchase date and estimated value for each item.
• Safely storing your receipts.
• Creating 360-degree-view videos inside and outside your home. This can help capture your belongings, and also any upgrades or additions to your property.

Update your home inventory once a year at minimum and keep it in a safe spot. Keep at least one copy offsite and regularly back up digital copies.

• Ensure your business premises is up to building codes. You may want to consider hiring an engineer to conduct the inspection.
• Prune or remove trees and branches that are close to your roof or power lines.
• Secure, bolt, anchor or fasten anything that could move or fall during an earthquake, including shelves, cabinets, tall and heavy furniture, equipment, machinery, electronics and more.
• Ensure all large and/or heavy objects are stored on lower shelves or on the floor.
• Ensure fire sprinklers are installed and working.
• Install safety latches to cabinet doors.
• Keep the space beneath desks and tables clear and easily accessible for employees to shelter under during an earthquake.
• Work with your property owner or facilities manager to have laminate or plastic film added to the inside of windows to minimize the likelihood of shattered glass in the event of an earthquake.
• Be prepared for potentially lengthy power outages; review your power options, such as generator requirements.
• Ensure databases, programs and software that are essential to your operations are backed up at least daily, including in an off-site location.
• Know where to access and how to turn off utilities like electricity, water and gas.

Protecting your employees is the top priority when an earthquake hits.

As earthquakes are unpredictable and can strike without any warning, your business needs to proactively prepare and educate your employees on how to stay safe during a tremor. Here’s how:

• Create an evacuation plan that identifies exits, fire escapes, stairways and a central meeting point in a safe area. Educate your employees and test your plan.
• Identify who on your team is Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and CPR certified and ensure they are aware of their responsibilities during and immediately after an earthquake.
• Determine how your disaster response team will communicate with one another and all employees as part of your earthquake response plan. Remember, phone lines and cell towers may be damaged and down following an earthquake, so plan for alternative means of communication.
• Educate your employees on how they can protect themselves during an earthquake (for example, drop, cover and hold on). You can learn how to stay safe during an earthquake here.
• Assemble and store a fully stocked emergency supply kit and keep a first aid kit on hand.

An earthquake can directly or indirectly impact your business operations.

For example, your business premises or key equipment could be damaged during the earthquake.

Or, even if your property and belongings are left unscathed, one of your key suppliers could be affected by the earthquake resulting in shortages and backlogs.

No matter the situation, a business continuity plan can be helpful in making necessary arrangements and adjustments to maintain a certain level of operation during the recovery period following an earthquake.

Your business continuity plan should provide clear direction for how to:

• Communicate with employees.
• Set employees up to work in another location or remotely, if needed.
• Manage supply chain logistics and potential shortages.
• Carry out essential services and functions of your operations.
• Access key data, systems and equipment.

• Create a livestock emergency kit that includes feed, water, temporary identification supplies, handling equipment and tools, as well as documents like a current list of your animals, proof of ownership and veterinary records.
• Create an emergency plan that lists contact information for employees, neighbours, veterinarians, animal shelters, transportation and more.
• Determine a plan of action that aligns with recommended earthquake safety tips.
• Regularly assess your animal shelters and repair, reinforce or rebuild as necessary.
• Ensure you have enough water and food to sustain your animals for several days after an earthquake.