Port Coquitlam residents invited to take part in ShakeOut BC on Oct. 15

Port Coquitlam residents are encouraged to join the largest earthquake drill in B.C. on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10:15 a.m. The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, organized by the BC Earthquake Alliance Society, gives people a chance to practise “Drop, Cover and Hold On” and review personal and workplace emergency plans. People can take part at home, school, work or while on the go.

At 10:30 a.m., after the drill, the City of Port Coquitlam will send a city-wide test alert through Alertable, its emergency notification system. The annual test checks that the system is working as intended. Alertable is designed to provide timely, emergency-specific information, including evacuation alerts, public safety updates and recovery resources. Registered users will receive the test by text message, phone call, email or in-app notification, according to their preferences. To sign up or learn more, visit portcoquitlam.ca/alertable (https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/alertable).

Before ShakeOut BC, the City’s emergency preparedness volunteers will share information with residents and visitors at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC), 2150 Wilson Avenue. Drop in on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. to learn how to build an emergency kit, create a household emergency plan and sign up for Alertable.

More than 5,000 earthquakes occur in Canada each year, many in seismically active areas such as B.C. Most are minor, but at least nine earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher have been recorded in or near Canada over the past century. The City encourages residents to hold drills at home, school or work so they are ready in a real emergency.

To participate, register at shakeoutbc.ca (https://www.shakeoutbc.ca/) before Oct. 15 and download tools and resources, including drill sound effects and preparedness tips. Residents are also encouraged to invite household members, neighbours and co-workers. At 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15, practise “Drop, Cover and Hold On”: drop to the ground; take cover under a sturdy desk or table, or crouch in a safe interior corner and protect your head and neck with your arms; then hold on for 60 seconds. During that time, imagine a real earthquake, note what could fall or block exits, and identify safety improvements. After the drill, review what to do once the shaking stops.

To prepare for an earthquake, conduct a hazard hunt at home or work and secure objects that could fall. Create or update an emergency plan; resources are available at gov.bc.ca/preparedbc (https://www.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc). Check and refresh emergency kits, bearing in mind that an earthquake could happen while you are away from home and you may need to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Review your home’s structural safety and make improvements if needed. More preparedness steps are at shakeoutbc.ca (https://www.shakeoutbc.ca/).

Being prepared can help reduce injuries, protect property and speed recovery after a major disaster. More emergency preparedness information and resources are available at portcoquitlam.ca/ep (https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/ep).