British Columbians have been warned for a long time that we might have a major earthquake soon.
National Resources, Canada

Worksafe BC distributed the following e-mail recently:

DURING THE QUAKE

Indoors
* Stay inside so you aren’t exposed to falling facade and other building materials at the building perimeter.
DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Take cover next to and hold onto a piece of heavy furniture or stand against an inside wall. The purpose here is that if you are trapped, you want to be trapped in an air pocket, not crushed under your desk. You want to be right next to something that has sufficient mass and strength to provide an air pocket even if ceiling materials collapse onto it. This differs from past wisdoms, but has been very evident in recent earthquakes.
Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Stay away from windows and doors.
* Never take an elevator - Duh!
* If you are in bed, hold on, stay there and protect your head with a pillow. Don’t get under the bed. You may be trapped there.

Outdoors
* Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
* Drop to the ground until the shaking stops.

In A Car
* Slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above).
* Turn on emergency flashers on and slow to a stop. Do not stop on overpasses, underpasses, or bridges. Be careful of overhead hazards such as power lines or falling building debris.
* Turn off the ignition and set the parking brake.
* Stay inside the car until the shaking stops.

PETS: During and after
* Don't try to hold your pet during a quake. Animals instinctively want to hide when their safety is threatened. If you get in their way, even the nicest pets may hurt you.
* Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.
* Pets may not be allowed into shelters for health and space reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes a 3-day supply of dry food and a large container of water.
* If you can't find your pet or must leave it at home after a quake, leave fresh water in non-spill containers such as bathtubs and sinks. Leave plenty of low-fat dry food, which deteriorates more slowly and is less tasty so pets won't try to eat it all at once. Leave a note indicating that you have a pet, where you will be and the date (for someone who may find the pet or be checking your house for survivors).

AFTER THE QUAKE
* Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
* Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself by wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves.
* Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.
* Check others for injuries. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
* Remember to help your neighbours who may require special assistance--infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities (these relationships need to be established in your neighbourhoods long prior to a disaster or serious emergency).

Home (All of these come with the caveat that situational awareness and safety must be considered before any action taken)
* Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
* Telephone: Use the telephone only for emergencies. Check to make sure the receiver has not been shaken off the hook and is tying up the line.
* Fires: Look for and extinguish small fires.
* Gas: Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and leave building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve (learn how ahead of time) if you can and call the gas company if you are able. **Remember, only a professional should turn the gas back on**.
* Electricity: Look for electrical system damage. Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker if you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if smell hot insulation. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice (might be difficult).
* Sewage, Water: Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and contact a plumber when you are able. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. If you haven’t stored water for emergency purposes, your toilet tanks and hot water tanks may have enough in them to see you through for drinking water in the absence of public water.

The part about lying NEXT TO rather than under heavy furniture I would take with a large grain of salt. I suggest reading the following article in it's entirety

snopes.com

The fact that those Mexican children were crushed under their desks can't be discredited. New research shows that it was most probably the result of shoddy construction works. It is believed that the so-called "triangle of life" have some merit in less developed countries, but not so much in timber constructions. Thanks for pointing it out Merv.

Latest

Nanaimo has identified a few mustering points for residents in case of disaster and it is prudent to establish which one is nearest to you. We live less than a kilometer from Costco, and its parking area is a mustering point. We also have a large plastic container on our back stoep which contains everything we will need to survive on our own for at least 72 hours: first aid kit, tents, inflatable mattresses, food, water, sleeping bags, camping gear, clothes, etc.

It's the wise thing to do.

all this earthquake talk is scaring the ^%&%#$^*&%#*U out of me.
I alwasy thought Canada was safe from natural disasters, much like Africa.
The earthquakes, tornados, tropical storms etc are supposed to happen in USA.

What other natural disasters should I be aware of?

What other natural disasters should I be aware of?

Mudslides, avalanches, floods.......

Just remember that Canada is a first world country and therefore geared to handle disasters. Also, our municipalities actually function! Another plus is the fact that volunteering is alive and well in Canada. People help each other, they don't merely sit and wait for others to do the hard work.

... and here on the Prairies we spend a lot of time under Tornado watch. A watch means that there is a possibility that a tornado/thunderstorm/severe windstorm might develop. A warning means take the necessary precautions for whichever weather system they are warning about.

About 2 weeks ago a community about 1 hour North of Regina had a tornado go through it. A couple of surrounding farms were totally destroyed.

That said don't let it put you off there is weather all over the world and it sure gives everybody something to talk about.

Gee, sounds like dangerous weather, in SA our only fear is drought (and occasional flooding in parts)
Given all these different types of natural disasters spread across Canada, what does that do to you home insurance, surely it would be high.

Liz, what natural disasters are in Nova Scotia, all I can think of is rising sea levels due to global warming (more long term hopefully).

Hurricanes