Saturday, January 08, 2011

ShakeOut BC: The Great British Columbia ShakeOut



The BC Earthquake Alliance Society is holding the province's first annual earthquake drill on Jan. 26, 2011 at 10 AM.

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, ShakeOut BC, is to make the public aware of the earthquake hazard in BC and promote personal preparedness.

During the drill, participants will be instructed to Drop, Cover and Hold On for up to two minutes. The simulated earthquake response exercise is part of the internationally recognized Drop, Cover and Hold On protocol that includes:

• Dropping to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!)
• Taking cover under a sturdy desk or table
• Holding on until the shaking stops

According to seismologist Dr. Garry Rogers of Natural Resources Canada, British Columbia is located in one of the most seismically active regions in the country. Rogers says the threat of a major earthquake is real. "In other parts of the world, an increased awareness about what to do during an earthquake has been proven to reduce injuries and deaths," said Rogers.

Individuals and organizations are asked to register at www.shakeoutbc.ca to be counted in the drill. The website also has emergency preparedness materials.

The ShakeOut BC drill is modeled after the highly successfully The Great California ShakeOut, now in its third year.

Jan. 26, 2011 marks the 311th anniversary of the last magnitude 9 earthquake in British Columbia.

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