{"id":26543,"date":"2025-01-07T16:50:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T21:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/tremblements-terre\/"},"modified":"2025-09-03T14:52:31","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T18:52:31","slug":"earthquakes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/public-security\/emergency-measures-civil-security\/emergency-situations\/earthquakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Earthquakes\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"sticky-section-group aligndefault\"\n>\n   \n<div class=\"sticky-section-main\"\n>\n   \n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro-text\">Did you know that the City of Laval lies in a seismic zone? That does not mean that earthquakes are more frequent than they are elsewhere, but that the risk of damage is higher if and when they do occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Measuring seismic activity and its consequences<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An earthquake is an unpredictable phenomenon. While the majority of earthquakes are minor, some can reach strong magnitudes that entail a significant risk of damages.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.seismescanada.rncan.gc.ca\/info-gen\/faq-fra.php#magnitude\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Richter scale<\/a> is used to measure the force of an earthquake. [lien externe] This scale from 0 to 9 determines the intensity of the earthquake at its point of origin, with 9 being the strongest.\u202fFor example, an earthquake with a magnitude between 3.5 and 5.4, though often felt, causes little or no damage. An earthquake measuring a magnitude 7 on the Righter scale, on the other hand, is a major earthquake that can cause significant damages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following factors can exacerbate the effects of an earthquake:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Soil type&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Structure of buildings&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Type of construction materials used&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>etc.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>An earthquake can have multiple consequences, including:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>damage to buildings&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>fires&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>dam failures&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>gas and hazardous materials leak&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>power outages&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>shortage or contamination of water&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>etc.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordions-group block-accordions-group accordion-container is-style-no-margin-top\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"stronglaval-locations-most-vulnerable-to-earthquakes-strongnbsp\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\"><strong>Laval locations most vulnerable to earthquakes<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<p>In Laval, the following types of buildings are more vulnerable to earthquakes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Buildings that were constructed before the adoption of earthquake-resistant building standards.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fragile structures, such as buildings with poorly maintained masonry walls or structural weaknesses.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Buildings housing vulnerable clienteles: hospitals, retirement homes, and other establishments that take in vulnerable populations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Very high buildings, which are more susceptible to earthquake tremors.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buildings on unstable, soft or sandy soil, which can amplify vibrations or liquefy during an earthquake.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to stay protected in the event of an earthquake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordions-group block-accordions-group accordion-container is-style-no-margin-top\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"strongin-anticipation-of-an-earthquake-strong\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\"><strong>In anticipation of an earthquake<\/strong><\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prepare for a possible disaster <a href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/Pages\/Fr\/Citoyens\/preparation-sinistre.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">by following our recommendations<\/a>: have a family safety plan, ensure that you can be autonomous for a minimum period of 72 hours, and keep a ready-to-go emergency kit in case you have to evacuate.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Secure to the wall furniture that is placed at a height as well as large items that could tip over, such as bookcases, shelves, heavy electronic devices, refrigerators, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not place heavy objects on a top shelf or above a bed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Store flammable chemical products in a place that would limit their dispersal if they were overturned, and keep them far from any heat source.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In general, basic home insurance does not cover earthquakes. Check with your insurer to see if you are covered.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you own a building, make sure that it is well maintained and that your brick walls are solid, and apply the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.seismescanada.rncan.gc.ca\/info-gen\/prepare-preparer\/eqresist-fr.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guidelines for making your building more earthquake- resistant<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make sure your property is compliant with regulations and meets the applicable earthquake-resistance standards:&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/Pages\/Fr\/Citoyens\/batiment-principal.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">City of Laval \u2013 Bylaws and permits<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">R\u00e9gie du b\u00e2timent du Qu\u00e9bec<\/a> \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you operate a business or an organization, draft a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quebec.ca\/securite-situations-urgence\/urgences-sinistres-risques-naturels\/entreprise\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">business continuity plan<\/a>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"strongduring-an-earthquake-strong\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\"><strong>During an earthquake<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n\n<p><strong><strong>If you are indoors:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Stay indoors.\u202fDo not try to evacuate the building while the earth is shaking, as doing so would put you at greater risk of injury.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n<li>If you are in an elevator, get out at the first available floor.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Drop down <\/strong>to avoid falling.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Shelter <\/strong>under a solid piece of furniture, e.g., a table, a desk or a bed, so that objects don\u2019t fall on you.\u202f\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Keep a safe distance from bookcases, shelves, heavy electronic devices, refrigerators, etc.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n<li>If you are unable to find shelter, stay far from windows, mirrors, glass partitions, lighting fixtures, bookcases and shelves, and lean back against a wall.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Do not shelter at the foot of a door frame, as you would not be protected from objects thrown during the quake.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Hang onto <\/strong>the article of furniture protecting you and use your arm to protect your head and neck.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"391\" height=\"136\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tremblement-terre-3-gestes.png\" alt=\"Actions \u00e0 faire pendant le s\u00e9isme\" class=\"wp-image-13265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tremblement-terre-3-gestes.png 391w, https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/tremblement-terre-3-gestes-300x104.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 391px) 100vw, 391px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>If you are outdoors:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Stay outdoors and move away from buildings, power lines, advertising billboards, and other structures susceptible to collapsing.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n<li>If you are in a busy public space, find a quiet place in which to shelter and avoid crowd surges.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n<li>If you are inside a vehicle, stop in a safe location where you are not blocking the road, and stay far from any structure that could collapse.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"strongafter-the-earthquake-strong\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\"><strong>After the earthquake<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n\n<p>After the last tremor and in the days that follow:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>If you have doubts concerning a building\u2019s structural integrity (cracks, partial collapse, etc.), calmly evacuate the premises and find a place far from buildings, trees, power lines and other structures susceptible to collapsing.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Gather together the building\u2019s occupants to determine if anyone is injured or if people are missing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Without putting yourself in danger, provide assistance to your neighbours and administer first aid, if necessary.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Stay alert for possible aftershocks.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Listen for directives from public authorities via on-site emergency response teams, <a href=\"https:\/\/infolettre.laval.ca\/T\/WF\/14321\/eewxbf\/Optin\/fr-CA\/Form.ofsys?_gl=1*p8i28j*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MjI0NDUwOTUuQ2owS0NRand3YWUxQmhDX0FSSXNBSzRKZnJ6dTE3a1FtQ1VnNnFjdnp5RzlRY1dfY01ZcGh5THRjamlrVFZBa1dWSXdUZ2Z0ZFZOU2VMQWFBbG95RUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*NjEzNzM4MTYyLjE3MTc2MDg3NTY.*_ga*MTEyNTg0ODg0NS4xNzE0NTg4Njk5*_ga_G6H5B2R1FL*MTcyMjQ0NDAxOC4xMTcuMS4xNzIyNDQ1MTMwLjI0LjAuMA..\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">alerts issues by the city<\/a> or messages broadcast on the radio, television, by telephone, or on the Web.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>If required by public authorities,\u202fevacuate your home with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/Pages\/Fr\/Citoyens\/preparation-sinistre.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ready-to-go emergency kit<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>If the telephone network is still functional, limit your usage to emergency calls only.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>If possible, wear sturdy footwear and clothing that covers the entire body to avoid injury.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>If your home is safe to enter, inspect it and avoid danger in any form.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Inspect your home, keeping an eye out for unstable furniture, a fragile brick wall, a downed power line, a hazardous materials spill, a natural gas leak, a water leak, damaged electrical appliances, a fire, etc.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>If required, shut off the power, water and natural gas as soon as you return home.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Document the damages by taking notes and photos.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>If the building sustained damage, have a structural engineer evaluate its integrity and do not move back in until you receive approval to do so from the engineer.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>If your insurance covers earthquakes, contact your insurer.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Find out about the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1Ma9n1psDsTUxh86e_5ap2ODqp_uRY1TX\/edit?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=100890406648295166018&amp;rtpof=true&amp;sd=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">available assistance programs<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"sticky-section-sidebar\"\n>\n   <div class=\"sticky-section-sidebar__inner\">\n     \n<div class=\"sidebar-cta-wrapper aligndefault\">\n   <div class=\"sidebar-cta\">\n     \n  <div class=\"theme-icon aligndefault theme-icon--colored\">\n    <span class=\"theme-icon__icon icon icon-alert-triangle\"><\/span>\n  <\/div>\n  \n\n\n<p class=\"has-xlarge-font-size\"><strong><strong>Don\u2019t miss anything<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Receive alerts in case of important notices or emergency situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/infolettre.laval.ca\/T\/WF\/14321\/eewxbf\/Optin\/fr-CA\/Form.ofsys??utm_source=performance_max&amp;utm_medium=google&amp;utm_campaign=infolettre&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAx9q6BhCDARIsACwUxu5OZl4DvJOSTmW4mmW-JSkR7_Yf_ltYcPc6ojIDdXHYs4bVcg3_12QaAoZGEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sign up to receive our alerts<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"mixed-carousel mixed-carousel--custom alignfull\"\n>\n    \n<div class=\"heading-with-button container\">\n      <h2 class=\"heading-with-button__title\">To find out more <\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"mixed-carousel__carousel-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"mixed-carousel__carousel swiper\">\n        <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                      \n<div class=\"mixed-item swiper-slide aligndefault mixed-item--landscape-thumbnail\">\n  <a class=\"mixed-item__inner\" href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/public-security\/emergency-measures-civil-security\/disaster-preparedness\/how-prepare-for-disaster\/\">    <div class=\"mixed-item__thumbnail-wrapper\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/laval.ca\/dist\/images\/defaults\/default.jpg\" alt=\"\">    <\/div>\n    <h3 class=\"mixed-item__title\"><span>To prepare for a disaster <\/span><\/h3>\n          <p class=\"mixed-item__excerpt\">Do you know what your responsibilities are in the event of a disaster?<\/p>\n      <\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mixed-item swiper-slide aligndefault mixed-item--landscape-thumbnail\">\n  <a class=\"mixed-item__inner\" href=\"https:\/\/grandesecousse.org\/quebec\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">    <div class=\"mixed-item__thumbnail-wrapper\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/laval.ca\/dist\/images\/defaults\/default.jpg\" alt=\"\">    <\/div>\n    <h3 class=\"mixed-item__title\"><span>Participate in the annual Great SkakeOut <\/span><\/h3>\n          <p class=\"mixed-item__excerpt\">Each year, all of Quebec is invited to take part in an earthquake preparedness exercise<\/p>\n      <\/a><\/div>\n\n\n                  <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"mixed-carousel__carousel-navigation container\">\n      <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      \n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":0,"parent":26668,"menu_order":87,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-26543","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/author\/j-bouliannelaval-ca\/","display_name":"j.boulianne@laval.ca"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 1 year ago","modified":"Updated 8 months ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on January 7, 2025","modified":"Updated on September 3, 2025"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on January 7, 2025 4:50 pm","modified":"Updated on September 3, 2025 2:52 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","featured_img":false,"series_order":"","publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-02 04:50:38","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"translation_priority","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26543","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/31"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26543"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26543\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":90005,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26543\/revisions\/90005"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}