Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada

Double disasters of nature recently occurred in Japan as the powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.9 and the huge tsunami surging inland, causing massive destruction.

In the past 100 years, Canada has experienced at least 9 major earthquakes that have registered between 7 and 8 on the Richter scale.

However, about 5,000 mostly small earthquakes are recorded in Canada each year.

Even a magnitude 6 earthquake could do extensive damage in a built-up area.

Please click here to learn how to prepare your home for an earthquake.

Here are the earthquake areas in Canada:

coast of British Columbia is the region most at risk from a major earthquake

St. Lawrence valley

and Ottawa River valley,

as well as parts of the three northern territories.

Please click here for “Making a Family Emergency Plan” video.

The coastal areas of British Columbia may also get destroyed by a major earthquake and the resulting tsunami, like the recent natural disasters in Japan.

Did you know that:

In case of emergencies, you and your family should be self-sufficient for 72 hours.

Two litres of water per person per day is the recommended amount to have on hand in case of emergency. Find out what else you should have in your basic emergency kit.

The Government of Canada will provide the following public safety event to help Canadians prepare for all types of emergencies.

Emergency Preparedness Week

May 1 – 7, 2011

Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is an annual event that takes place each year during the first full week of May. This national event is coordinated by Public Safety Canada, in close collaboration with the provinces and territories and partners.

During Emergency Preparedness Week, activities are organized across Canada to raise awareness of the importance of having an emergency kit; making an emergency plan; and identifying risks in the region. These three simple steps can help Canadians prepare for all types of emergencies.

For more information regarding what’s happening across the country, please visit:

You may also want to know:

Schedule of Free Earthquake Preparedness Courses