B.C. is located along the "ring of fire," a geographical map of the Pacific Ocean indicating spots where an earthquake is likely to occur — and potentially cause a lot of damage.
Each year, provincial residents, schools and businesses are encouraged to update their earthquake preparedness measures by taking part in one of the biggest mass emergency drills around the world.
The Great BC ShakeOut is scheduled for Thursday (Oct. 21) when people are instructed to drop, cover and hold on in acting out an earthquake scenario.
According to the event's website, more than 630,000 British Columbians have signed up to participate in the 2021 event.
This includes more than 343,000 in the Metro Vancouver region, such as Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra and 28 schools in the district (SD43).
Tri-City municipal governments are also on the list, as well as seniors care home, local businesses and non-profit organizations.
"ShakeOut is the world's largest earthquake drill with [...] over 23.9 million worldwide registered to participate this year," explained BC Earthquake Alliance president Naomi Yamamoto in a release.
She adds doing the drill can create muscle memory in helping residents react quickly should a significant earthquake take place unexpectedly.
"The [COVID-19] pandemic has taught us to be ready for anything. Now is the time to update our emergency plans and practice Drop, Cover and Hold-On!"
ShakeOut 2020 saw more than 770,000 provincial residents drop for cover; more than one million in 2019.
For more information, or if you wish to sign up you, your family and/or your business for the Great BC ShakeOut, you're encouraged to visit the drill's website.
