What can I expect if a major disaster hits Vancouver?
What can I expect if a major earthquake hits Vancouver?
The Kobe earthquake of January 17, 1995 registered 6.9 on the Richter Scale, with an epicenter 20 kilometers below the surface. A similar quake in the Vancouver area would likely cause massive destruction of buildings not reinforced to modern seismic standards. Bridges would collapse, rupturing water mains, sewer and gas lines. Ruptured gas lines would likely result in fire. Electrical power would be out and telephone service would probably be interrupted. Streets would be blocked by debris from damaged buildings, making evacuation difficult. Depending on the time of day, family members may be separated from each other, work, home or school. Emergency services workers would experience the same difficulties as everyone else in reporting for work. Hospitals would be inundated with casualties. People would need to rely on their battery-operated radios to learn about the scope of the disaster and efforts being made to deal with it.
This kind of anticipated scenario reinforces the need to be personally prepared before the earthquake occurs. Individuals, families and businesses need to make a plan that will see them through the aftermath of the earthquake and enable them to resume their pre-earthquake lifestyles and business functions as soon as possible.
If I am in a High Rise Building?
When an earthquake occurs, your first warning may be a swaying sensation if you're in a building, a sudden noise or roar. Next, vibration, quickly followed by rolling up, down, sideways, rotating. It will be scary! It may last a few seconds or go on for a few minutes. The earth won't open up and swallow you. But you could be hurt by breaking glass, falling objects, and heavy things bouncing around. Be prepared for aftershocks.
Where would I go if an earthquake or fire damaged my home so I couldn't live in it?
Your Vancouver Emergency Management Agency Neighborhood Block Program would assist you in relocating with one of your neighbors while arrangements were being made for a more permanent option or until repairs to your home could be made. In the event the entire neighborhood is devastated, the provincial Emergency Social Services program will be responsible for opening a reception centre(s). The centres will be staffed by volunteers trained to refer displaced people to shelters and medical aid. Centre volunteers will provide assistance with meals, clothing, personal services and other such help as may be needed.
Would the police and fire department help me if my home was damaged and family members injured?
Emergency services, including police, fire and ambulance, will be unable to reach you in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, like an earthquake. For at least the first 72 hours, you can expect to rely on your own preparations and the assistance of your neighbors in managing the after effects of the disaster.
Should family members and neighbors try to search damaged buildings for survivors?
Only rescue personnel, such as police and firefighters, are adequately trained to undertake search and rescue. However, disasters in other communities have demonstrated that many people want to help out in an emergency and some will go to extreme lengths to locate survivors.
In Vancouver, emergency services will respond to hospitals and other care facilities before they are available to help neighborhoods. As a consequence, the Vancouver Emergency Management Agency is training individuals and neighborhood representatives in light search and rescue, first aid and how to use a fire extinguisher. St. John Ambulance and some community agencies also provide first aid and survival training.
Having some search and rescue training will help ease your concern about handling emergency situations. Keep in mind that, even with this training, rescuing survivors is a potentially dangerous and difficult task. Be aware that if you choose to attempt a search and rescue by entering a damaged building or moving debris, you could be injured--worsening the situation for your family and complicating the task for rescue personnel. Potential rescuers can not only get in the way of professionals who have the skill and equipment required for search and rescue, but may cause a structure to further collapse, killing or injuring any initial survivors.
How long will it be before power and water are restored?
That depends upon the disaster's severity. Factors such as the ability of the repair crews to reach affected sites, bring in equipment and repair the damage on site all impact on the time it will take to restore power and water.
How will I know where to go and what to do if the telephone isn't working?
Ensure you have a battery-powered radio and spare batteries in your survival kit. Radio stations will be broadcasting emergency information to keep residents informed about the disaster.