Register for the Great BC ShakeOut and practise earthquake safety

Residents are invited to take a few minutes to practise what to do during an earthquake by joining the Great BC ShakeOut on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10:15 a.m. Organized by the BC Earthquake Alliance Society, the Great British Columbia ShakeOut is the province’s largest earthquake drill, bringing together schools, businesses and families each year. People can participate wherever they are at 10:15 a.m. and use the drill to review household, workplace or school emergency plans and supplies.

The drill focuses on the “Drop (lock), Cover and Hold On” protocol. Drop to the floor, or lock a walker or wheelchair in place. Cover your head and neck with your arm and, if possible, take shelter under a sturdy desk or table. If there is no table or desk nearby, drop to the ground in an inside corner of the building and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Do not run to another room just to get under a table. Hold on to your shelter and protect your head and neck until the shaking stops. Count to 60 before getting up to give loose objects time to settle.

More than 3,000 earthquakes occur in British Columbia each year, most too small to be felt. Preparing for a large earthquake can help reduce injuries and property damage, and better equip residents to care for themselves while essential services are restored.

Visit ShakeOutBC.ca to register and download resources, including sound effects to play during the drill and emergency-preparedness information. At 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, practise the protocol. After the drill, practise what you will do once the shaking stops. Visit coquitlam.ca/earthquake for information on actions to take after an earthquake and additional preparedness resources.

Make a home emergency plan that sets out how you, the people you live with and your pets will respond during an emergency. Keep an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, pet supplies, medications, flashlights, batteries and a first-aid kit, with enough to last at least 72 hours. Do a hazard hunt at home, at work or in a classroom to find and secure items that could fall during an earthquake, such as pictures, mirrors, appliances, TVs, bookcases, water heaters and ceiling fans. Learn how to turn off utilities such as water, gas and electricity.

Prepared BC is the provincial government program that provides resources and information to help British Columbia residents and organizations prepare for emergencies and recover afterward.