Earthquake

Vancouver is located in a seismically active region, with thousands of earthquakes recorded in B.C. each year. One of the most significant threats is the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of generating large and damaging earthquakes. 

In Spring 2024, Natural Resources Canada and the Province of B.C. launched the Earthquake Early Warning System. The system is designed to give you a few seconds to tens of seconds of notice before strong shaking begins. These warnings are intended to provide a few seconds to take action and can be critical to take action: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. 

Before an Earthquake 

Earthquakes can happen without warning. Take steps now to prepare: 

• Avoid storing heavy objects on high shelves. 
• Secure bookcases, cabinets, and equipment. 
• Install restraints for laboratory shelving and racks for glass cylinders. 
• Know your emergency procedures and building plans.
• Keep an emergency kit at home, at work, and in your car.
• Practice earthquake response and participate in annual earthquake drills, such as ShakeOut BC.

Prepare your home

Secure your space

• Anchor heavy furniture and appliances to prevent them from tipping during an earthquake. 
• Avoid placing heavy items on high shelves. 
• Check the placement of lights, mirrors, and pictures, and consider how they could fall and cause harm. 

Store essential supplies 

• Keep extra water and food on hand. After an earthquake, tap water may not be safe to drink unless boiled, but it can still be used for washing or flushing. 

Know how to shut off utilities 

• Learn how to safely turn off your gas and water in case of an emergency. 

Make an emergency plan and build a kit 

A good emergency plan includes: 

• A list of essential needs (like medications, glasses, and important documents). 
• Locations where you spend time (home, work, school) and how you’ll respond in each. 
• Plans for family, friends, roommates, and pets. 
• Meeting points and evacuation routes. 
• Awareness of local hazards (such as earthquakes, wildfires, or floods). 

Use your plan to guide your emergency kit. Include items you might need for at least 72 hours—and make sure it’s light enough to carry if you need to evacuate. 

During an Earthquake 

The best immediate action is to Drop, Cover, and Hold On, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds.  

If you are indoors

• Stay inside until the shaking stops. Do not run outside or to other rooms during the shaking. 
• Drop to your hands and knees to avoid being knocked over.  
• Cover your head and neck, or your whole body under a sturdy table or desk. If none is available, or if you are in a hallway, crouch against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. 
• Hold on to your shelter to stay protected until the shaking stops — you might have to move with your piece of protective furniture if the shaking shifts around. Wait 60 seconds after the shaking stops. 
• Stay clear of windows that could break and large objects that could fall over. 

Tips by location 

• Classroom/Office: ‘Drop, Cover, Hold On’ under your desk or workstation. 
• Lecture Theatre: Drop to the ground between rows. Protect your head and neck with your arms, and bend over as far as possible. 
• Laboratory: ‘Drop, Cover, Hold On’ under the work bench or at the end of the bench. 
• Library: ‘Drop, Cover, Hold On’ under a desk or table. Drop to the ground; move carefully to the end of the stack. If possible, ‘Drop, Cover, Hold On’ under a desk or table. 

If you have mobility challenges or in a wheelchair 

• If possible, follow the Drop, Cover, Hold on procedure. 
• In a wheelchair: Move to an inner/interior wall if safe to do so.  Lock the brakes and protect your head with your arms. 
• If available, use a blanket or pillow to shield your face from falling debris/glass. 
• When the shaking stops move to your building’s refuge areas. If your building doesn’t have a refuge area find a safe location to shelter-in-place until assistance arrives. 

If you are outside 

• Stay outside. 
• Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines,  
• Drop, Cover and Hold on until the shaking stops 

If you are in transit 

• In a car: Pull over to a clear area, set the parking brakes and stay inside with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops. Avoid overhead structures (i.e., bridges and overpasses).  
• On a bus: Stay seated until the bus stops. Sit in a crouched position and protect your head from falling debris. Stay inside if it is safe. 

AVOID the following in an earthquake 

• Doorways: Doors can swing violently and cause injuries. 
• Windows, bookcases, tall furniture and light fixtures: You could be hurt by shattered glass or heavy objects. 
• Elevators: If caught in one, hit the button for every floor and exit as soon as you can. 
• Downed power lines: Stay at least 10 metres (33 feet) away to avoid injury. 
• Coastline: Move inland. Earthquakes can trigger large ocean waves called tsunamis. 

After an Earthquake 

• Check for hazards (broken glass, spills, fallen objects). 
• Wear protective footwear and clothing if available. 
• Be prepared for aftershocks! Repeat Drop, Cover, and Hold On as needed. 
• Use text or social media to check in with others if it’s not a life-threatening emergency. Keep phone lines open for emergencies. 
• There may be impacts to the plumbed water system, look for any regional water advisories before using tap water. 
• Follow instructions from first responders and campus response personnel — they will direct you to safety and to emergency resources. 
• Report: 
  • Serious injuries or hazards: Call 911 
  • Building damage: Contact Facilities Service Centre at 604-822-2173 

When to evacuate 

You may not need to evacuate your building immediately unless there is severe damage or signs of danger, such as the smell of gas (rotten eggs), or visible damage. Assess your surroundings carefully and decide whether evacuation is necessary based on factors like visible structural damage, your proximity to the coast (tsunami risk), fire hazards, or strong aftershocks. Prioritize your safety at all times. 

You may not need to evacuate unless 

• There is visible structural damage 
• You smell gas (like rotten eggs) 
• You are in a tsunami risk zone 

If evacuation is necessary 

• Take your emergency kit and essentials. 
• Use caution — avoid debris, broken glass, or electrical hazards. 
• Go directly to your building’s assembly area. 
• If you need assistance, go to your refuge area (if available). 
• Do not re-enter buildings until cleared by emergency personnel. 

Support after a major earthquake 

UBC will coordinate emergency support for students, faculty, staff, and University Neighbourhood Association (UNA) residents following a major event. 

Information on emergency supports will be communicated on the UBC website and UBC Alert.