What to do during an earthquake?

On October 17 at 10:17 a.m., residents are invited to participate in Great shakeEarthquake preparedness exercise.

“Down, cover and hold on.” These three behaviors can save lives in the event of an earthquake. The big tremor Quebecers are allowed to practice protecting themselves in the simulation exercise, which will be held this year on Oct. 17 at 10:17 a.m. “It's like a fire drill, except this time you're training to deal with an earthquake. In class, a good reaction is to go under the desk and stay there until the shaking stops,” explains Aube Jordo, a paleontologist and spokesman for the event.

It is important that we recognize these protective behaviors, because in the event of an earthquake, our first instinct may be to take shelter under the door frame, even though this is an unsafe place. Ob Jordo also mentions that “you should not run during an earthquake, because you risk falling on unstable ground. It's a plan to injure yourself or sprain your ankle. “You have to stay calm, stay away and take cover,” she stresses.

If you live in an urban area surrounded by skyscrapers, don't try to go out. “During an earthquake, buildings can sustain damage and things like signs can fall, as well as windows.” She emphasizes once again that the safest place is under sturdy furniture.

Aube Gourdeau also encourages residents For an emergency kit Contains essentials such as water, food, radio, flashlight and blanket.

High-risk areas in Quebec

Areas at the boundaries of tectonic plates, such as California, are at greater risk of frequent and powerful earthquakes. “Unlike the San Andreas Fault, Quebec lies within a tectonic plate, which generates earthquakes of lower magnitude than those to the west,” explains Aube Gordo. Despite everything, the province is not immune. There are areas more likely to be affected by an earthquake: Western Quebec, Charlevoix Camourasca as well as Basse-Saint-Laurent and the North Shore.