Seismic experts say we can expect a major destructive earthquake in British Columbia. We don't know when this will happen. But Vancouver and Vancouver Island is a region where some of the largest earthquakes in the world occur. History has shown they happen here, there was a magnitude 7.3 one on central Vancouver Island in 1946 and a 8.1 in the Queen Charlotte Islands in 1949 and a massive 9.0 in 1700, one of the world's largest earthquakes ever. So given how devastating the Haiti one has been do you think we are ready for when the big one hits here? Have you personally made any contingency plans? It makes you think doesn't it?

It's not a question of if, but when. Vancouver has been preparing for the big one for a long time. The place will still be trashed when it happens. Richmond will disappear.

Great- if I didn't miss Toronto before....

Whatevs.

They've been saying the same thing for years in NZ too, and so far it hasn't happened. Welcome to living on the Ring of Fire. Also, the spread between the Queen charlottes and Van is. is huge - that's hundreds of kilometres right there. So it may hit here, or it may hit butt****marryyourcousintrailerpark in deep northern bc and effect 20 people.

I don't think it's the magnitude so much as how deep/shallow it is and where exactly the epicentre of the quake is.

Contingency wise, I'm a slacker. But I know where to go during a quake, thanks to years of having it drilled into me in NZ/living through tremors there. I know how to disconnect the gas. I don't have emergency food or anything really. Should probably do something about that.

My worst fear would be to be stuck in a highrise. Yikes.

I was in a high rise in an earthquake, in Anaheim. I now know that one should stand in the doorway. hth.

yep. But, it's the swaying that scares me

Yes, not to mention Port Alberni - that place is going to get wiped out if there is a tsunami as all that water funnels up that inlet. Much of Yale Town will also potentially be in trouble due to liquefaction.

http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/urbgeo/geomapvan/geomap8_e.php

All the more reason for a move to Port-au-Prince, Haiti! What are the chances of a [second] serious earthquake occurring? Hey - tropical climate, cheap land, a chance to learn French/creole, great job ops., an amazing dollar/pound-to-gourde exchange rate, well established and rich culture, a low cost of living and the chance to really stand out and shine(the token white guy - might be very popular with the local ladies/men?). It's an expat dream come true.

Sometimes, Mr Thomas, the dryness of your humour rivals that of the cold in Manitoba.

In the schools they are certainly preparing, they have to be "earthquake proofed" for want of the proper term and parents are asked to prepare and take to school an earthquake pack for their children. This includes a favourite toy a letter from the parents some first aid items favourite long lasting nibbles etc. Insurance wise earthquake insurance is recommended when buying a house ( and yes I know that insurance brokers do just want you to just buy more insurance) people here see it definately as a when and not if.
it's a sobering thought that I've never had to experience before.

I would have said more sick than dry !

Yeah, that "God" is a terrorist

That will please at least one of our posters.

There are probably going to be a total of 17 this year of those in the 7.0 plus range

see link

http://neic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/eq_depo...010_stats.html

and remember that montreal is also in an earthquake zone

Nice - one of my colleagues was found dead there today and another is still missing. Not to mention all the other poor souls that have perished there.