Earthquake experts say it's not a matter of if, but when a massive quake will rattle B.C.'s West Coast. But how prepared is the City of Vancouver to handle the aftermath?
Emergency management director Kevin Wallinger says shelters will be set up across the city at a number of predetermined locations, including churches, hotels and community centres.
The locations will not be revealed until after the quake hits, however, because engineering teams will have to verify which buildings are still structurally sound.
After they've done that, and made sure heat, power and water are all running at the shelters, the public will be alerted – likely over the radio.
A major earthquake could knock out power for days, so residents are advised to have a battery operated or hand crank radio at home.
Emergency officials have also partnered with retail outlets, including Canadian Tire and the Canadian Red Cross, which will hand over their tents and survival gear in the event of a quake.
"From a city perspective, we're ready," Wallinger said. "We've done everything we can, we understand what the risks are. We understand there will be disruptions, but we have extremely good plans and partnerships in place."
For their part, citizens are asked to take care of themselves so first responders can focus on helping the most critically wounded.
Every person is responsible for looking after themselves for three days, Wallinger said. They are to have food, water, any prescription medication that they need, and a way to stay warm.
"Seventy-two hours is really an expectation of every member of society," he said.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Leah Hendry
