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How To Participate and Prepare

More than 3,000 earthquakes occur in British Columbia each year. Most are too small to be felt, but the risk of one big enough to cause significant damage is very real.  Participating in ShakeOutBC is an effective way to better understand BC’s earthquake risk and how to prepare.

Use the manuals in the right-hand box to learn more about how you, your family, and your organization can take part. Find out who else is participating and issue a challenge!

RESOURCES

ShakeOutBC Drill & Participant Guide: Simple to advanced drills for any organization.

Basic School Earthquake Drill Ideas: How to plan and implement a basic school drill

Tsunami Drill: How to include tsunami evacuation in your ShakeOut drill

PLAN YOUR DRILL

Today:

  • Register to be counted among the millions worldwide who will “Drop, Cover and Hold On” October 17.

Between now and October 17:

  • Consider how an earthquake will affect your area. Know how to protect yourself.
  • Do you live or work near the coast? Consider adding a tsunami evacuation drill to your ShakeOutBC activities.
  • Download audio and video recordings of the ShakeOutBC drill, which provide easy to follow instructions for participants.
  • Talk to other people or organizations about what they’re doing to prepare. Display ShakeOutBC posters around your community, school, campus or business to raise awareness about the drill and earthquake preparedness.

October 17, 10:17 a.m.:

GET PREPARED

What we do before an earthquake determines how quickly we’ll recover.

Know the risks: Visit the PreparedBC and Natural Resources Canada websites to understand the earthquake risk in British Columbia.

Have a plan: Draft a family 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.

Build an emergency kit: Stock enough food, water and emergency supplies to sustain you for a minimum of three days. Longer is better.

Create grab-and-go bags: Earthquakes aren’t guaranteed to happen when you’re at home. Have emergency kits for your vehicle and workplace.

Seismically secure your home and 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:

©2019 SCEC Southern California Earthquake Center @ USC
The Great British Columbia ShakeOut Step 1: Secure it now! Step 2: Make a plan Step 3: Make disaster kits Step 4: Is your place safe? Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold On Step 6: Check it out! Step 7: Communicate and recover!