On Oct. 20, thousands of British Columbians will take part in Canada’s largest earthquake drill.
At exactly 10:20 a.m., participants from across the province will “drop, cover and hold on” for earthquake safety during the Great B.C. Shakeout.
The City of Nanaimo is committed to taking part and would like all area residents, businesses and organizations to join in.
During the drill, participants will be asked to drop, cover and hold on for up to two minutes in response to a simulated earthquake.
Nanaimo radio stations, 102.3 The Wave and 106.9 The Wolf, will broadcast the drill live on air.
The Great B.C. Shakeout urges individuals to:
Drop to the ground (before the earthquake drops you), take cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table and hold on until the shaking stops.
“During the drill, participants will be asked to drop, cover and hold on for up to two minutes in a response to a simulated earthquake,” said Karen Lindsay, emergency program manager for the City of Nanaimo. “Practising what to do helps ensure a better earthquake response and faster recovery for our community. Please sign up, participate and make sure you have an emergency kit.”
In 2015, more than 776,000 British Columbians participated in the drill, joining 40 million people worldwide.
The annual drill is also an excellent opportunity to consider whether you’re personally prepared for a major emergency.
For more on getting ready or to register, please visit www.shakeoutbc.ca and www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC.