Should I move to a city that is expecting a "megaquake?"?

Question

I'm in the middle of selling my home and purchasing a new one in Victoria,BC. I landed a great job there and now I have an offer on my home. But.....recently there has been mention in the newspapers and on tv about a "megaquake" hitting Victoria. Scientists predict a 9. earthquake is overdue and the area is at a high risk especially for this month.

I have alot of equity in my home and the thought of placing it another home in a city that may have a hugh earthquake is scary.

But no one ever knows for sure when a quake will hit??

What do I do? If I don't take the job then I would probably move to Ontario where the homes cost only a third of the price as here and find new employment.

help??

Answer 1

I live in the SF Bay Area and we have been expecting a huge one too (apparently they didn't consider the 1989 quake to be a large one.)  

Fortunately, the West Coast is blessed with infrastructure and codes that buildings have to follow.  Many buildings in cities all over the West Coast are undergoing or already have seismic retrofitting.

I know about the article I read a similar one in February put out by the CBC that was warning of a "high-risk window" for earthquakes and nothing happened then.

You can either take a job in Victoria and live in the area of Canada with the nicest weather and risk an earthquake or you can move to Ontario and deal with ice storms, tornadoes, heat waves, etc.  Basically, there's risk anywhere you go.

I would move to Vic if I had my pick even though it's more expensive.

Answer 2

figgering the fact you have about 5 or more years this could be a temporary job to get you going. Also we arn't sure when the Quake will happen, so you should pick a spot outside the city. Remember you will be living on the spot where the Pacific Tectonic Plate and the US Tectonic Plate intersect. So you should have a plan on what do do in a quake like a concrete shelter, filled with foods that don't go bad so you will be safe during the quake, and if buried you have food to last you. This shelter will also protect you against volcanos, tornados, Ect. Remember volcanos can appear imbetween Tectonic Plates. Overall its your Choice! So take these facts in mind and act on them!

Answer 3

Scientists do say that the East Coast is also likely to be hit by an earthquake.  Not a mag 9+ but maybe a 7 which will cause serious damage especially since we do not have building codes to protect us in Toronto as they do in Victoria.  There are very old faultlines going back billions of years when the Applachians were as tall as the Rockies are now when two continents came together to form the East Coast of North America.  These faultlines are still active and have been building up tension with no significant release in hundreds of years (only minor tremors).  In the end you should not rule your life based on these risks.  Go where you are the happiest and always prepare for the worst where you can.  Victoria is a great city.

Answer 4

haha no

Answer 5

You can choose to live in fear, or you can choose to live your life to the fullest. But as was stated above, there IS such a thing as insurance. I've lived in CA all my life, and have always heard that 'the big one' is coming.

I'm still waiting.......

Answer 6

hmmm the article didn't give an estimate of the frequency of these large quakes, and the last one was in 1700.... sound as safe as California!

on the other hand, Ontario sounds good.....go for the north coast, thats where the action is going to be come the opening of the north west passage.....

clarification; sounds good to a ginger person, rather have snow than a heat wave any day....

Answer 7

Pick whichever city you think you will be happiest with. Scientists are constantly predicting doom and gloom. I wouldn't make a selection based on what might happen.

Answer 8

Start living your life.  Get insurance for your new house.  You'll be fine.  Of course you could wait till the big one hits and then the property values will go down.

Answer 9

Only if you have a death wish. I use too live in BC (Salt Spring Island) and though it is a beautiful place they are much over due for an earthquake.

Their are plenty of other places in Canada to move that offer all the BC has to offer and is a much safer place. I personally would research and explore other options.  :)

Answer 10

no you shouldent

Answer 11

I wouldn't

Answer 12

If you are planning to die! go for it

Answer 13

Yes.