Earthquake Safety and Preparedness

If an earthquake occurs, you could be without gas or electricity for days. Here are some ways you can stay safe around energy before and after an earthquake.

How to prepare for an earthquake

• Securely strap your hot water tank.
  • This will keep the water and gas lines from breaking.
  • The BC Building and Plumbing Codes now require it, and contractors who install and service water heaters can do it for you. Find a licensed contractor near you.
• Anchor other gas appliances using flexible metal connectors wherever possible.
  • Flexible metal connectors are less susceptible to damage in an earthquake.
• Keep the area around appliances clear of combustible materials.
  • This includes paper, paints/solvents, laundry, propane cylinders, barbecues and gasoline-powered items.
• Keep a clear path to your meter, water shut-off valves and breaker panels at all times so crews can reach them in an emergency.
• Learn about the shut-off valve for each appliance.
  • Know where it is and learn how to use it before an emergency.
  • Do not shut off your gas if you’re evacuating.
    • If fire or emergency officials request FortisBC to do so, we will turn off gas service as a precautionary measure, or if there is an immediate threat to FortisBC infrastructure.
• Prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies for at least 14 days.
• Keep it somewhere easily found in the dark.
• Visit PreparedBC for more information on preparing for an earthquake.

What to do after an earthquake

• When the shaking is over and it’s safe, check your appliances and utilities for damage:
  • Check the vents, chimney and connections at each gas appliance to be sure they have not been dislodged or blocked.
  • If your gas appliances or pipes are damaged, do not use them until a licensed gas contractor has inspected them. You can find a licensed contractor using our online directory.
• If you smell gas (rotten eggs) or hear the hissing sound of escaping gas, go outside and call the FortisBC 24-Hour Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911 or dial 9-1-1.
• If you’re outside or in your car after an earthquake, watch for downed power lines.
  • Even wires that are quiet and without sparks could still be live.
  • If you see a downed power line, stay at least 10 metres away (33 feet, about the length of a school bus).
• If you are evacuating, do not shut off your gas.
  • We will do so at the request of emergency officials as a precautionary measure or if there is an immediate threat to our infrastructure.
• If the gas is shut off at the meter, do not try to turn it back on.
  • Only a certified gas technician can turn the gas on safely. Call FortisBC or any qualified gas contractor to restore gas service.
  • Customers with automatic shut-off valves installed on the gas system for their home or business should not attempt to restart their gas service. Earthquake valves and the gas system must first be assessed by a licensed gas contractor.
  • A complete list of licensed gas contractors can be found on Technical Safety BC.

Frequently Asked Questions