Earthquakes   

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 

• 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: 
  • Ville de Laval – Règlements et permis
  • Régie du bâtiment du Québec
• 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. 

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.