Who is ready for a big earthquake?
The Great BC ShakeOut is set for Thursday, October 16, to give people and organizations a reminder on the importance of earthquake preparedness.
The province-wide “drop, cover and hold on” drill will happen at 10:16 am and everyone is encouraged to participate, from schools to workplaces to family homes.
Families and organizations can register at shakeoutbc.ca prior to the event. That website also provides guidelines on how to prepare for an earthquake.
More than 680,000 people have registered with the organization so far.
Emergency management experts say the procedure of “drop, cover and hold on,” is one of the best methods for reducing the likelihood of injury or death during an earthquake. ShakeOut is an opportunity to practice the procedure—drop to the ground, take cover by going under a sturdy desk or table and then hold on until the shaking stops. If there is not a desk or table nearby, drop to the ground in an inside corner of a building with hands and arms covering head and neck. ShakeOut BC specifies not to run to another room just to reach a table to go under.
The important point is to find protection from falling objects during an earthquake. Studies of injuries and deaths caused by earthquakes over the last few decades have shown that a person is more likely to be injured or killed by falling or flying objects than by collapsing buildings.
People can post a #ShakeOutSelfie and share how they are participating through the #ShakeOutBC Twitter and Facebook pages.
