Earthquakes   

Did you know that the City of Laval is located in a seismic zone? This does not mean that earthquakes are more frequent here than elsewhere, but that the risk of damage is higher. 

Measuring earthquakes and their consequences  

An earthquake is an unpredictable phenomenon. Most tremors are minor, but some can reach very high magnitudes and cause significant damage. 

The strength of an earthquake is measured using the Richter scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 9 and determines the intensity of the earthquake at its point of origin, with 9 being the strongest. For example, an earthquake with a magnitude between 3.5 and 5.4 is often felt but causes little or no damage. However, an earthquake of 7 or higher is considered major and causes significant destruction. 

Several factors can worsen the effects of an earthquake: 

  • Type of soil 
  • Building structures 
  • Construction materials 
  • Etc. 

An earthquake can lead to multiple consequences, including :

  • Structural damage to buildings 
  • Fires 
  • Dam failures 
  • Gas leaks and hazardous material spills 
  • Power outages 
  • Water shortages or contamination 
  • Etc. 

In Laval, certain locations and building types are more vulnerable to earthquakes. For example: 

  • Buildings constructed before seismic safety standards were established 
  • Fragile structures, such as masonry buildings in poor condition or with structural weaknesses 
  • Facilities serving vulnerable populations: hospitals, nursing homes, and other similar establishments 
  • Very tall buildings, which are more susceptible to shaking 
  • Buildings on unstable, soft, or sandy soil, which can amplify vibrations or liquefy during a quake 

How to protect yourself from an earthquake? 

  • Get prepared for emergencies by following our recommendations, including a family safety plan, 72-hour emergency kit, and a grab-and-go bag in case of evacuation. 
  • Secure tall furniture and heavy appliances to the wall to prevent them from falling, such as bookshelves, shelves, heavy electronic devices, refrigerators, etc. 
  • Avoid placing heavy objects on top shelves or above beds. 
  • Store chemicals and flammable products in a safe place to prevent spills and keep them away from heat sources. 
  • Basic home insurance policies do not typically cover earthquakes. Check with your insurer to see if you are covered. 
  • If you own a home, ensure that it is well-maintained, that brick walls are solid, and follow earthquake-resistant building guidelines.
  • Make sure your property meets seismic building regulations: 
  • If you run a business or organization, create a business continuity plan.

If you are indoors : 

  • Stay inside. Do not attempt to evacuate while the ground is shaking, as you are more likely to be injured. 
  • If in an elevator, exit at the nearest floor. 
  • Drop down to avoid falling. 
  • Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table, desk, or bed, to protect yourself from falling objects. 
  • Stay away from bookshelves, shelves, heavy appliances, and refrigerators. 
  • If you cannot take cover, move away from windows, mirrors, glass partitions, light fixtures, and shelves, and brace yourself against an interior wall. 
  • Do not shelter under a doorway, as it will not protect you from falling objects. 
  • Hold on to your protective cover and shield your head and neck with one arm. 
Actions à faire pendant le séisme

If you are outdoors : 

  • Stay outside and move away from buildings, power lines, billboards, and other structures that could collapse. 
  • If you are in a crowded public place, find a safe spot away from panicked crowds. 
  • If in a vehicle, stop in a safe location, away from structures that could fall. Do not block roads. 

Once the shaking stops and in the following days : 

  • If you suspect that a building is structurally unsafe (cracks, partial collapse, etc.), evacuate calmly and move to an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines, and other hazards. 
  • Gather all occupants and check for injuries or missing persons. 
  • If it is safe, assist neighbors and provide first aid if needed.
  • Be aware of aftershocks..
  • Follow emergency updates from local authorities via official alerts, city messages, radio, television, or online sources.
  • If instructed, evacuate your home with your grab-and-go bag.
  • If the phone network is operational, limit calls to emergencies only. 
  • If possible, wear sturdy, full-coverage clothing to prevent injuries. 
  • If safe, inspect your home for potential dangers. 
  • Check for unstable furniture, weakened brick walls, fallen power lines, hazardous material spills, gas leaks, water leaks, damaged electrical equipment, fires, etc. 
  • If necessary, turn off electricity, water, and gas when you return home. 
  • Document damages with notes and photos. 
  • If your home was damaged, have a structural engineer assess its safety before re-entering. 
  • If you have earthquake insurance, contact your provider. 
  • Check for available assistance programs.
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