White Rock encourages residents to join the Great BC ShakeOut on Oct. 15

The British Columbia Earthquake Alliance (BCEA) is organizing its annual province-wide earthquake drill on Oct. 15, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. The drill aims to raise awareness of earthquake hazards in British Columbia and encourage emergency preparedness. White Rock Fire Rescue is encouraging all residents, businesses, organizations and community groups to take part.

“Preparedness starts before an emergency occurs, and the Great BC ShakeOut is a simple way for our community to practise how to respond safely during an earthquake,” Fire Chief Brad Davie said. He encouraged everyone to participate on Oct. 15 and remember to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” when the drill begins at 10:15 a.m.

White Rock Fire Rescue recommends following four steps during ShakeOut and in a real earthquake:

1. Drop to the ground, before the earthquake knocks you down. 2. Take cover under a sturdy desk or table and protect your head and neck. 3. Hold on until the shaking stops. 4. Stay there for at least 60 seconds, allowing unstable objects time to settle.

Residents, businesses and organizations can register at ShakeOut BC (https://www.shakeoutbc.ca/join-the-drill/) to be counted in the drill and access resources to help prepare for earthquakes and other emergencies.

White Rock residents are also encouraged to sign up for Alertable (https://www.whiterockcity.ca/921/Alertable-Notification-App), the City’s emergency notification system, which sends alerts by text, email or phone. Residents may receive an Alertable notification during the ShakeOut drill to encourage participation and reinforce the importance of staying informed during emergencies.

More earthquake preparedness resources, including information on building an emergency kit or grab-and-go bag, are available at PreparedBC.ca (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc).