Earthquakes in Quebec: What to Do Before, During and After
Secure heavy objects, practise drop-cover-hold on and check injuries, gas, electricity, water and building damage after shaking and aftershocks.
Prepare the home
Anchor tall furniture and bookcases to suitable structural elements, store heavy objects low and move beds and seats away from items that could fall. Identify safer places in each room and keep shoes, a light and emergency supplies accessible.
Know utility controls without improvising
Locate the water shutoff, electrical panel and gas supply where applicable. Learn from a qualified person when and how to close them. Do not shut gas merely by reflex: restart may require a specialist, while a suspected leak must be handled under emergency instructions.
Inside during shaking
Stay inside, move away from windows and take cover. Beneath a sturdy table, hold a leg so it moves with you. Without nearby cover, crouch beside an interior wall away from heavy objects and protect head and neck. Do not use an elevator.
Outside or driving
Outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, lights and wires. Driving, slow and stop somewhere safe without parking under a bridge, overpass or wire. Remain in the vehicle until shaking stops, then avoid damaged structures.
After: injuries and immediate hazards
Expect aftershocks and protect yourself again. Check injuries without moving a seriously injured person unless immediate danger requires it. Leave a building that appears damaged or has smoke, fire or a suspicious odour, then stay away from façades.
Gas, electricity and water
Do not operate switches or flames near a gas smell. Leave and call emergency services from safety. Avoid fallen wires, wet panels, broken pipes and potentially contaminated water. Follow municipal drinking-water notices.
Communication and reunion
Prefer texts when networks are busy. Follow authorities, do not return for property and meet at the family location. Photograph damage only when safe.
Building assessment
A visible crack alone cannot establish whether a building is safe or condemned. Respect barriers and have structural, electrical and gas damage assessed by the competent authorities and professionals before returning.
Earthquakes — Quebec.ca · Earthquake preparedness — Canada