Metro Vancouver has historically been susceptible to earthquakes and residents are often warned about the imminent approach of a large magnitude earthquake. This site focuses on four topics regarding Metro Vancouver's earthquake susceptibility, including:

- History of earthquakes in British Columbia

- Housing susceptibility to earthquakes in Metro Vancouver

- Schools susceptibility to earthquakes in Metro Vancouver, with a special focus on the City of Vancouver

- Emergency Infrastructure in Metro Vancouver

All four topics play a key role in Metro Vancouver's Earthquake Susceptibility and Management, as the areas which have predominately older housing, have a high number of schools which require seismic upgrades, or are located outside of major emergency response routes are more likely to experience extensive damage during a large earthquake.

6 out of the last 10 major earthquakes in Canada have occurred dangerously close to the coastline of Metro Vancouver.

• Year 1700: Magnitude 9.0
• Year 1918: Magnitude 6.9
• Year 1929: Magnitude 7.0
• Year 1946: Magnitude 7.3
• Year 1949: Magnitude 8.1
• Year 1970: Magnitude 7.4

Emergency Preparedness for BC Residents

The Province of BC has a Provincial Emergency Preparedness Plan (PEP), where residents can find exhaustive, authoritative information on how to prepare for and react to an earthquake.

On their web site, you can find information on the best response to an earthquake (Drop, Hold and Cover), what to do Before, During and After an earthquake, How to Prepare for an Earthquake, and more.

Curious about what kind of seismic activity Metro Vancouver is experiencing right now? (Bowen Island Station)

DISCLAIMER:

This web site was created by geography students at Simon Fraser University for Geography 351 in the Fall of 2007. It is intended for general education and use. Authors shall not be held responsible for any misinterpretations of the data presented.