Preparing for an earthquake: before, during and after

B.C.'s South Coast was hit by what seismologists are calling one of the largest earthquakes in the region in years.

• B.C. earthquake stirs people from their sleep along South Coast

While the 4.3 magnitude earthquake centred about 20 kilometres north of Victoria did not cause much damage, it was a stark reminder that if the big one hits everyone needs to be prepared.

Here's our list of top tips on what to do, before, during and after a quake.

Before an earthquake hits

1. Have an emergency kit ready to go

Make sure you have anemergency kitnear the door you're most likely to exit, and keep it free from clutter.ReneBernstein, marketing director forSt.John Ambulance, BC & Yukonrecommends keeping a kitin yourcarand atwork as well.

• Top 10 essentials for your earthquake kit

Thekitshould hold you over for at least 72 hours and shouldincludefood, water, first aid supplies, flashlights,medication, a radio, contact lists, comfort items for children, cash and other items.

You can put it together yourself of buy an earthquake emergency kit that is already fully stocked with all the essentials.

2. Have a disaster plan

Bernstein says having afamily planis crucial designate a meeting place for your family and how to contact each other if you are separated and cell phones aren't working.

Know how to evacuate, where tomeet and who to call. Make sure each member of the family is prepared for a number of scenarios.

Make a plan to get home from work if roads and bridges are closed to vehicles, and have appropriate footwear to change into at work, so you can walk.

3. Secure your heavy furniture

Bernstein recommends also preparing your home in the event an earthquake hits.

Bookcases, appliances, pianos, dressersand beds can all become dislodged andcause injury. Theseshouldbe fixed to the wall.

4. Put breakableand heavy objectsdown low

Don't load your top shelves with items that can shatter and cause injury.

"Most people get hurt with flying or fallingdebris," cautions Bernstein.

She says the kitchen is often the most dangerous room in the house during an earthquake, thanks to heavy appliances, breakable items, and sharp objects.

5. Reduce the risk from glass

Windows, mirrors and picture frames can shatter during an earthquake. Reduce your risk by securing pictures and mirrors to walls, andkeeping beds and tables away from windows.

If that's not possible, consider heavy drapes in high-risk areas, or a special film for glass.

6. Prepare your children

Parents' instinct will be to run to childrenas soon as disaster strikes. However, if you are in separate rooms,it may besafer for each family member totake immediate shelter (for example, under a sturdy table).

Bernstein suggests teaching younger children a song to sing during the shakingso you know they are safe.

Make sure your children are aware of safe zones and how long to stay put (at least60 seconds after shaking has stopped).

Children's kits should also include items such as toys and family photographs to comfort them while they are out of the home.

7. Prepare for pets

Make a plan for food and medication for pets, as they are often over-looked in emergency planning.

8. Find your gas valve

Know where gas outlets are and how to turn them off.

During an earthquake

If you are indoors, stay indoors do not run outside during an earthquake. Stay away from windows as much as possible and quickly protect yourself, advises the City of Vancouver.

Dive under a sturdy table,drop to your knees, cover your head and neck and hold on to the table. Don't get up for at least 60 seconds or until the shaking has stopped.

If there is no desk,crouch in an inside corner of a room, avoid standing in a doorway.

If you are outside, stay outside and move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.

If you are in a vehicle, stop and park in a clear location.

The City of Vancouver offersfree emergency planning workshopsand also provides them upon request from community groups and businesses.

After an earthquake

Aftershocks can occur minutes, hours or days after the earthquake.

The City of Vancouver suggeststhat afteran earthquake to move immediately to a higher ground, smell for gas, check for injuries and for others. Call for help if need be, look out for fallen power lines, fire anddamaged buildings.

Keep informed by tuning into the radio, television and stay informed by signing-up for Twitter alerts.