2019 06 Kate Ploeger

Kate Ploeger, Earthquake researcher  

BIO - Kate’s research primarily focuses on aspects of earthquake risk and has done extensive work on earthquake loss modeling and decision support. She earned a post-doctoral fellowship (2017) and a Ph.D. (2014) at the University of Ottawa as well as a M.Sc. from Carleton University (2008).
As an educator, she has shared her knowledge of earthquake risk alongside local, provincial, and federal partners, on the international stage as well as in public lecture, radio, and television. She has also taught courses at the University of Ottawa and Royal Road University.


Presentation Title - Earthquake risk in the National Capital Region: 17 seconds

Synopsis - As Canadians, we often associate earthquakes with the west coast but they are also common across eastern Canada. Members will learn about the earthquake hazard that exists in eastern Canada and in the National Capital Region – why we have earthquakes, where we have earthquakes, how big they can be, and what experience do we already have? We will also discuss the challenges that you may experience during, and the moments after, an earthquake, and why it’s important that you start thinking about this now.

Key Points that an Attendee will take away from Kate's presentation:

• There is no other natural hazard in the NCR like an earthquake – it is not predictable, there is no warning, and the whole region can be physically, socially and economically impacted
• Moderate-to-large earthquakes are a serious threat in eastern Canada and the National Capital Region
• The NCR has had more experience with earthquakes than we think
• It is important to not only be aware of the hazard but also to understand its effects beforehand
• The most important take way is that you must Drop, Cover and Hold On during earthquake shaking – practice this in the workplace and at home