When buildings start to shake, it’s human nature to want to run.
Don’t do that. Injury is more likely from toppling bookshelves, falling material and shattering glass than collapsing buildings.
Best thing to do, experts say, is drop, grab some cover, hold on and ride it out.
“The evidence is out there that you’re much more likely to get hurt in an earthquake trying to flee a building than just hunkering down under a desk, or in a corner on an inside wall, and just protecting yourself,” said Ryan Thoms, Powell River Regional District manager of emergency services. “It all makes good common sense, but in that situation we’re fighting the instinct to flee.”
So that is why practicing what do in case a larger earthquake strikes can help, said Thoms.
“It comes back to personal preparedness,” he said.
According to the BC Earthquake Alliance, over 3,000 mini quakes are recorded in the province each day.
“Most are too small to be felt, but the risk of one big enough to cause major damage is real,” Dave Cockle, president of the BC Earthquake Alliance, stated in a media release.
Preparations are underway for the Great BC ShakeOut earthquake drill planned for 10:15 am on Thursday, October 15.
“Participating in the Great British Columbia ShakeOut is an excellent way for your family or organization to take one small step towards preparing to survive and recover quickly,” added Cockle.
The drill is designed to improve public awareness of the province’s earthquake hazard and to encourage personal preparedness.
Close to 3,000 residents from local businesses, schools, associations and agencies across the regional district and the City of Powell River have already signed up for the drill.
According to the ShakeOutBC website, over 40.8 million people worldwide have already signed up for the international drill, with over 750,000 in BC alone.
For more information about the Great BC ShakeOut earthquake drill readers can visit shakeoutbc.ca.
