Departments > Victoria Emergency Management Agency > Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do we go if we need assistance after an earthquake?
A: The City of Victoria will open facilities to assist residents following an earthquake or other emergency that impacts a wide number of people. Before these facilities can be opened they must first be inspected to verify they are safe for use. They must also be staffed with an adequate number of people to be effective. Once both of these conditions are met, a facility can open. Local media will be asked to broadcast which facilities are open.

Q: Should I listen to the radio following a disaster?
A: Yes. It is highly advisable that you listen to a battery operated AM/FM radio and listen to local radio stations for instructions from local emergency officials.

Q. How well can the Victoria Emergency Management Agency handle a disaster?
A. The Victoria Emergency Management Agency (Emergency Social Services – Evacuee Assistance, Victoria Search and Rescue, Amateur Communications, Neighbourhood Program and the Emergency Operations Centre) regularly trains and exercises its volunteers and staff.

In the event of a disaster, police, fire fighters and ambulance workers may be unable to respond to all individual and family emergencies immediately, due to a high call volume. Victoria residents must be personally prepared in advance for a disaster. To prepare yourself and your family for an emergency, see the Individual & Neighbourhood All Hazard Emergency Preparedness Workbook.

Q. What can I expect if a major earthquake, like the one that struck Kobe, Japan, occurs?
A. The Kobe earthquake of January 17, 1995 registered 6.9 on the Richter Scale, with an epicentre directly below the surface. A similar quake in the Victoria area would likely cause massive destruction of buildings not reinforced to modern seismic standards. Bridges would be damaged, water mains maybe ruptured, sewer and gas lines may be disrupted. Ruptured gas lines would likely result in fire. Electrical power would be out and telephone service would probably be interrupted. Streets would be blocked by debris from damaged buildings, making evacuation difficult. Depending on the time of day, family members may be separated from each other; at work, home or school. Emergency services personnel would experience the same difficulties as everyone else in reporting for work. Hospitals would be inundated with casualties. People would need to rely on their battery-operated radios to learn about the scope of the disaster and efforts being made to deal with it.

This kind of anticipated scenario reinforces the need to be personally prepared before an earthquake occurs. Individuals, families and businesses need to make a plan that will see them through the aftermath of the earthquake and enable them to resume their pre-earthquake lifestyles and business functions as soon as possible.

Q. Would the police and fire department help me if my home was damaged and family members injured?
A. Emergency services, including police, fire and ambulance, will be unable to reach you in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, like an earthquake. For at least the first three days, you can expect to rely on your own preparations and the assistance of your neighbours in managing the after effects of a disaster.

Q. How long will it be before power and water are restored?
A. That depends upon the severity of the disaster. Factors such as the ability of the repair crews to reach affected sites, bring in equipment and repair the damage on site all impact the time it will take to restore power and water.

Q. How will I know where to go and what to do if the telephone isn't working?
A. Ensure you have a battery-powered radio and spare batteries in your emergency kit. Radio stations will be broadcasting emergency information to keep residents informed about the disaster.

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