A day to remember
Posted Jul 1, 2010 By Rosalyn Stevens
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Tweet ThisEMC Editorial - It'll go down as one of those days, where friends will turn to each other and say, "where were you when..."
Of course, I'm referring to the earthquake that rocked Ottawa and the area, in fact reaching though Quebec and Ontario and into the northeastern United States, on June 23. Thankfully there were no major injuries or damage as a result, but it's certainly an event we'll remember for years to come.
In our newsroom, it was a typical afternoon. Reporters were hammering out stories, while I toiled away at the editorial duties. Suddenly, a noise erupted, I looked out the window looking for a large truck that I assumed was causing the sound, and the slight shake that came with it. But when I glanced outward, the sight of cars shaking in the parking lot made it clear there was no truck out there.
That's when it really hit. A bookshelf collapsed, and an empty coffee can went flying across the room.
Everyone in Ottawa will have their own version of the events, of what unfolded when the city experience the biggest quake in recent history. And while we're all aware that this city lies on a fault line Indeed the city is said to experience a quake once every five days most haven't experienced anything quite like this one before.
And it brings to light the fact that many of us don't quite know what to do in the event of a major event. Many Ottawa residents were seen fleeing office buildings and businesses, gathering in the streets. Many decided to call it a day, as evidenced by the early traffic snarls occurring that day. But is that what we should have done?
According to the experts, it's not.
In an attempt to both educate ourselves, and our readers, reporter Charelle Evelyn immediately hit the phones to find out how we should have reacted. Having experienced regular earthquake drills growing up on the west cost apparently complete with sound effects she became our resident expert.
Inside, you'll find her discoveries, with tips from experts both here in Ottawa, and in the more earthquake-knowledgeable British Columbia.
While we gather to share our common experiences from that day, hopefully the information gathered here will be helpful in preparing all Ottawa residents for another earthquake, should we feel it's effects again.
Until that day, we'll each have our own memories, and stories to share from that unusual event of June 23.
And Happy Canada Day, Ottawa! I hope you all find a safe and fun way to celebrate the birthday of this great nation!
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