B.C.'s Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills To Take Place Today

Today is the day to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.’’

Millions of people around the world are taking part in Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills.

Area residents are being encouraged to take part this morning, to be better prepared for when an earthquake hits.

The exercise helps by assessing how long it takes you to get outside of the post-earthquake flooding zone following a major earthquake, allowing residents to practice the real evacuation actions that should be taken.

At 10:19 a.m. – we’re asked to drop, cover, and hold on, for five minutes.

After the “shaking” stops, count to 60 and then begin your evacuation immediately by getting safe and moving out of the area.

Other ways to stay safe and be prepared: create a simple family plan and discuss it so everyone knows what to do when an earthquake happens, put together an emergency kit with enough food, water and medication to last 72 hours per person and per pet, and do a walk-through of your home and workplace to identify and address any potential hazards.

It’s also a good idea to connect with a relative or friend outside the province and make sure that the rest of your family knows to contact them in the event you are separated, and to have copies of important paperwork like insurance policies, medical records, and a list of key possessions.

To register, visit Great ShakeOut BC.