ShakeOut BC is returning for another year and Port Coquitlam residents are encouraged to drop, cover and hold as part of an earthquake drill next week.
At 10:19 a.m. next Thursday, Oct. 19, the city is asking all residents to practice the "Drop, Cover and Hold On" protocol to make sure they are prepared for an earthquake at home, school, office or on the road.
This includes:
- Drop to the ground
- Take cover by getting under a desk/table (or cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building)
- Hold on for 60 seconds. During this time, look around and imagine what would happen during an earthquake. What could fall down on you or be damaged? Make notes of tasks to conduct after the drill, (e.g. anchor large furniture pieces)
ShakeOut BC is organized by the BC Earthquake Alliance Society and provides residents with an opportunity to be prepared in case of an emergency. Residents are urged to hold drills in their homes, schools or workplaces at exactly 10:19 a.m.
According to a news release, there are around 5,000 earthquakes recorded in Canada each year — of which many are in B.C., the most seismically active area in Canada.
In addition to the "Drop, Cover and Hold On" earthquake protocol, the City of Port Coquitlam will also be issuing a city-wide test alert through its emergency notification system, Alertable on Oct. 19 at 10:25 a.m following the drill.
Registered users will receive a test alert via SMS text, phone call, email or as a notification through the app, based on the individual’s preferences.
The system, designed to ensure the public has quick access to emergency activations, alerts and orders, will be carrying out its first test on Oct. 19. The app can be downloaded here.
To participate in ShakeOut BC, visit website to register as a participant and download the necessary resources — including sound effects to play during the drill and emergency preparation information.
Additionally, an Emergency Preparedness booth will be set up at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., where staff and volunteers will provide information and answer questions pertaining to emergency preparedness, volunteering and more.
For more information, including emergency preparedness tips and resources, you can visit the city's website.
