Residents across the Tri-Cities are urged to join in the largest earthquake drill in B.C. Thursday, Oct. 19.
At exactly 10:19 a.m., people are encouraged to participate in the Great British Columbia ShakeOut by practicing the drop, cover and hold on earthquake protocol.
Organized by the BC Earthquake Alliance Society and ShakeOut BC, the demonstration is a reminder to be prepared in the event of an earthquake.
Each year, about 4,000 earthquakes are recorded in Canada — many of these in the seismically active region around B.C. Most are small, but at least nine earthquakes in or near Canada have registered a magnitude of seven or more in the past century.
A magnitude six earthquake could do extensive damage to the Tri-Cities. Individuals who are prepared for a major disaster will suffer fewer injuries and less property damage and be better equipped to care for themselves afterwards if they make some initial preparations.
In a press release this week, the cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody are urging all Tri-City residents to hold drills in their homes, schools or workplaces on Oct.19 at 10:19 a.m. The three cities collaborate on emergency preparedness planning to ensure a coordinated response if a disaster occurs.
Visit www.shakeoutbc.ca to register as a participant and download resources (including sound effects to play during the drill and emergency preparation information).
Encourage your family, neighbours and colleagues to take part in the drill.
How to participate:
At 10:19 a.m. on October 19, practice the drop, cover and hold on protocol, which involves the following:
• Drop to the ground.
• Take cover by getting under a desk or table (or cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building).
• Hold on for 60 seconds. During this time, look around and imagine what would happen during an earthquake. What could fall down on you or be damaged? Make note of tasks to conduct after the drill, (e.g. anchor large furniture pieces).
• After the drill, practice what you will do after the shaking stops.
BE PREPARED
Sign up for your city’s free emergency preparedness course. Port Coquitlam’s next course is scheduled for Nov. 25. Go to www.portcoquitlam.ca/ep for more information. In Coquitlam, residents can visit www.coquitlam.ca/emergtraining to get details and register online for a number of free courses that run in Coquitlam this fall and winter.
How to get prepared for an earthquake:
• Do a “hazard hunt” in your home, workplace or classroom for items that might fall during earthquakes and secure them.
• Create a personal or family disaster plan (visit www.getprepared.gc.ca for information).
• Organize or refresh your emergency supply kits. Consider that you may not be home when an earthquake occurs and that you may need to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours afterward.
• Identify and correct any issues in your home’s structure.
• Visit www.shakeoutbc for more resources.
For more information, visit: www.portcoquitlam.ca/ep, www.coquitlam.ca/preparedness, www.portmoody.ca/emergency.
