Step 1: Get Prepared
- Consider how an earthquake will affect your area. Look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall? What would be damaged? This great list from Earthquake Country Alliance will show you no cost and low cost ways to better safeguard your home or workplace in the event of an earthquake.
- Learn the basics of “Drop, Cover and Hold On”
- Designate an outdoor assembly area, in the event that your building is considerably damaged and unsafe.
- Do you live or work near the coast? Consider the event of a tsunami evacuation, and find out where the safe ground area is for your region.
Step 2: Download Resources
- Download audio and video recordings of the ShakeOutBC drill, which provide easy to follow instructions for participants, and simulated earthquake sounds.
Step 3: Sign Up for the Drill
- Chose a date and time, or sign up to participate along with millions worldwide for The Great Shakeout.
Step 4: When it’s Time
- Play the downloaded recordings out loud.
“Drop, Cover, Hold On”: Drop to the ground, take cover under a table or desk and hold on as if a real earthquake was occurring. Learn what you should do if you have a disability or physical limitation. - Wait for the “shaking” to stop and count to 60 to allow objects that may have shifted during the shaking to settle, then cautiously come out of your safe DROP, COVER, HOLD ON location.
- While evacuation during an actual earthquake should never be automatic, you may wish to practice evacuation to your designated assembly area.
- Run through the steps listed in “After the Shaking Stops” informational brochures, according to where you are practicing your drill:
Other Things to Consider
Have a Plan
Draft a family or work emergency plan outlining how you’ll respond during an earthquake, especially if you’re separated. Make sure to consider pets and people who need extra help. Making a plan is a great way to start. Build an Emergency Kit
Stock enough food, water and emergency supplies to sustain you for a minimum of three days. Longer is better. Need a quick solution? SOS is a Great Shakeout Partner and provides purchasable emergency kits. Create grab-and-go bags
Earthquakes aren’t guaranteed to happen when you’re at home. Have emergency kits for your vehicle and workplace. You can also find kits like this through SOS. Seismically Secure Your Home / Workplace
Identify items that may topple in your home, workplace or school. Secure heavy furniture to wall studs. Consider Earthquake Insurance
Contact your provider and find out what’s available or recommended.
If You’re a Business or Organization
Develop, review and exercise your continuity plan. Here are a few helpful websites:
Canadian Centre for Excellence in Emergency Preparedness
Quick Resources
Participate in the Great ShakeOut
Over 56.4 Million Participants Worldwide
Participants in BC Last Year:725 Thousand
Who's Participating? Click on a region on the map of BC to see the region specific participation tally.
Join the Drill
Don't miss out, register by Dec 31st.
Current BC Wide Total
805,021
Cariboo 22,140
Kootenay 3,136
Lower Mainland 592,262
Nechako 844
North Coast 3,890
Northeast 410
Thompson Okanagan 11,692
Vancouver Island / Coast 118,590