Earthquakes   

In Laval, the following types of buildings are more vulnerable to earthquakes: 

• Buildings that were constructed before the adoption of earthquake-resistant building standards. 

• Fragile structures, such as buildings with poorly maintained masonry walls or structural weaknesses. 

• Buildings housing vulnerable clienteles: hospitals, retirement homes, and other establishments that take in vulnerable populations. 

• Very high buildings, which are more susceptible to earthquake tremors. 
• Buildings on unstable, soft or sandy soil, which can amplify vibrations or liquefy during an earthquake. 

• Prepare for a possible disaster by following our recommendations: have a family safety plan, ensure that you can be autonomous for a minimum period of 72 hours, and keep a ready-to-go emergency kit in case you have to evacuate. 

• Secure to the wall furniture that is placed at a height as well as large items that could tip over, such as bookcases, shelves, heavy electronic devices, refrigerators, etc.  

• Do not place heavy objects on a top shelf or above a bed. 

• Store flammable chemical products in a place that would limit their dispersal if they were overturned, and keep them far from any heat source. 

• In general, basic home insurance does not cover earthquakes. Check with your insurer to see if you are covered. 

• If you own a building, make sure that it is well maintained and that your brick walls are solid, and apply the guidelines for making your building more earthquake- resistant.

• Make sure your property is compliant with regulations and meets the applicable earthquake-resistance standards: 

• City of Laval – Bylaws and permits

• Régie du bâtiment du Québec  

• If you operate a business or an organization, draft a business continuity plan.

If you are indoors: 

• Stay indoors. Do not try to evacuate the building while the earth is shaking, as doing so would put you at greater risk of injury. 
• If you are in an elevator, get out at the first available floor. 
• Drop down to avoid falling. 
• Shelter under a solid piece of furniture, e.g., a table, a desk or a bed, so that objects don’t fall on you.  
• Keep a safe distance from bookcases, shelves, heavy electronic devices, refrigerators, etc. 
• If you are unable to find shelter, stay far from windows, mirrors, glass partitions, lighting fixtures, bookcases and shelves, and lean back against a wall. 
• Do not shelter at the foot of a door frame, as you would not be protected from objects thrown during the quake. 
• Hang onto the article of furniture protecting you and use your arm to protect your head and neck. 

If you are outdoors: 

• Stay outdoors and move away from buildings, power lines, advertising billboards, and other structures susceptible to collapsing. 
• If you are in a busy public space, find a quiet place in which to shelter and avoid crowd surges. 
• If you are inside a vehicle, stop in a safe location where you are not blocking the road, and stay far from any structure that could collapse. 

After the last tremor and in the days that follow: 

• If you have doubts concerning a building’s structural integrity (cracks, partial collapse, etc.), calmly evacuate the premises and find a place far from buildings, trees, power lines and other structures susceptible to collapsing. 

• Gather together the building’s occupants to determine if anyone is injured or if people are missing.  

• Without putting yourself in danger, provide assistance to your neighbours and administer first aid, if necessary. 

• Stay alert for possible aftershocks. 

• Listen for directives from public authorities via on-site emergency response teams, alerts issues by the city or messages broadcast on the radio, television, by telephone, or on the Web. 

• If required by public authorities, evacuate your home with your ready-to-go emergency kit.

• If the telephone network is still functional, limit your usage to emergency calls only. 

• If possible, wear sturdy footwear and clothing that covers the entire body to avoid injury. 

• If your home is safe to enter, inspect it and avoid danger in any form. 

• Inspect your home, keeping an eye out for unstable furniture, a fragile brick wall, a downed power line, a hazardous materials spill, a natural gas leak, a water leak, damaged electrical appliances, a fire, etc.  

• If required, shut off the power, water and natural gas as soon as you return home. 

• Document the damages by taking notes and photos. 

• If the building sustained damage, have a structural engineer evaluate its integrity and do not move back in until you receive approval to do so from the engineer. 

• If your insurance covers earthquakes, contact your insurer. 
• Find out about the available assistance programs.