Campbell River And SRD Prepare For 2024 Community Shakeout

The City of Campbell River and the Strathcona Regional District want to make sure residents are ready if an earthquake strikes.

They are sponsoring the 2024 ShakeOut Self-Guided Exercise and various First Aid and Radio certification courses.

An earthquake of significant magnitude could occur on Vancouver Island at any time, potentially exceeding the capacity of the local emergency response system to provide immediate assistance for an extended period.

Seismic upgrades at the John Hart Dam or Strathcona Dam aren’t scheduled to be complete until 2030 and until then there is a potential risk of dam failure following a significant earthquake.

The self-guided exercise is happening on Thursday, October 17th. It encourages community members to follow the steps that they should be ready to take in the event of a significant earthquake.

As downtown Campbell River is especially at risk, the City says the exercise is important for anyone who frequents the downtown core.

At 10:17 a.m.- on the 17th - 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. If you are starting outside of the downtown flooding zone, you have completed the exercise.

If you are starting in the downtown flooding zone, you’re asked to proceed to evacuate to your closest area outside of the flooding zone on foot or by bicycle as it is unlikely that regular vehicles could navigate the roads after an earthquake due to extensive damage.

When you safely reach an area outside of the flooding zone, check to see how long it took you to evacuate your area.

There are some great prizes up for grabs for those who take part - you can take a selfie at any stage of the exercise - and tag it with #ShakeOutThenGetOut2024.

Five free, hands-on ‘Earthquake First Aid’ sessions will be offered, exploring sling/splints, pressure bandages, tourniquets, wound care and moving an injured victim.

A Basic Amateur (Ham) Radio Certification course (26 hours) will be offered.

People use ham radios to talk across town and around the world, all without the internet or cell phones.

It is a lifeline during an emergency.

For on the event locally, visit City of Campbell River.

Learn more about the Great British Columbia ShakeOut at Shakeout BC.