Another earthquake!

On Friday afternoon, we felt an earthquake.  I've felt others before and thankfully this one didn't scare me like the others have.  We were just finishing our lunch and out whole house shook.  I could feel our floor moving.  No damage for us and thankfully, no major damage was located anywhere.  All the bridges and tunnels are fine.  We never received the alert before the earthquake.  

I have an emergency kit and lots of water on hand.  But you always need to be reminded:

Today, at 1:26 p.m. local time, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck approximately 24 kilometers north-northeast of Sechelt on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, highlighting the importance of being prepared for seismic events.

While the damage was minimal, it’s a strong reminder that earthquakes can strike without warning—and the best way to stay safe is by being informed and ready.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

• Make an Emergency Plan: Ensure everyone in your household knows communication methods, meeting spots, evacuation routes, and their roles.

• Prepare a Household Emergency Kit: Store essentials like water, food, first aid supplies, flashlight, batteries, and medications for if you need to stay put.

• Create a Grab & Go Bag: Include important documents, clothes, phone charger, snacks, and items for kids or pets for if you need to evacuate immediately.

• Secure Your Home: Anchor heavy furniture, secure large items, and reinforce windows to reduce risk during an earthquake.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If inside, drop to your hands and knees, hide under sturdy furniture, and cover your head. If there’s no furniture, crouch against an inside wall away from windows. Don’t stand in a doorway—it isn’t safe! If outside, move to an open space, away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Stay in your safe spot until the shaking stops.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

• Expect Aftershocks: Be ready for aftershocks and take cover if needed. Avoid unsafe buildings.

• Stay Informed: Use alerts, news, and a battery-powered radio for updates. Sign up for Alert Ready/Alertable for emergency alerts in real time and check EmergencyInfoBC for news and safety tips. Also be sure to check out your local authority websites and social media pages as they may have important updates about your community.

• Prepare for Disruptions: Conserve phone battery, have a portable charger, and be ready for power outages or delays.

Being prepared can help keep you and your family safe during an earthquake. Stay informed and stay safe!