We’re sure you’ve heard of ‘the big one,’ but have you fully prepared for it?
Every year, BC hosts a province-wide earthquake drill to encourage preparedness across our communities.
Known as The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, the BC Earthquake Alliance (BCEA) invites everyone to “drop, cover and hold on” at 10:17 a.m. on Thursday, October 17th.
The ShakeOut is an opportunity for communities to practice essential earthquake safety measures and get into the habit of thinking proactively.
This not only includes the drill, but also encourages everyone to update their emergency plans and supplies, as well as taking measures to secure spaces to prevent damage and injuries.
According to the ShakeOut BC website, our province is the most seismically active area in Canada and is considered high risk.
It’s said that we experience thousands of minor earthquakes every year!
Some of the most recent include a magnitude 3.8 earthquake on Friday, October 4th, as well as a magnitude 4.2 earthquake on Wednesday, October 2nd—both struck off the coast of Vancouver Island.
No tsunami warnings were issued, and there were no reports of damage, but many took to social media to share their experience of the tremors.
Related:
- Greater Victoria residents awoken by another earthquake
- Victorians awoken by early morning earthquake that rattled the Saanich Peninsula
One of the most severe was a magnitude 9 earthquake that hit BC in 1700. It shook the entire province as well as Washington, Oregon, and California, and it created a massive tsunami. This event was similar to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake off the coast of Japan.
If you wish to participate in BCEA’s ShakeOut this year, you can sign yourself up and receive ShakeOut news, resources for your drill, preparedness tips throughout the year, and expert guidance on how to protect yourself during an earthquake.
Let’s drop, cover and hold on together, Victoria!
