Thousands of people across B-C dropped, covered and held on this morning -- as they took part in the annual ShakeOutBC earthquake drill.
The event -- at 10:19 a-m -- simulates an earthquake response and is a key part of provincial efforts to raise awareness about what to do in the moments, hours and days after an earthquake strikes.
The day has come, BC!
— ShakeOutBC (@ShakeOutBC) October 19, 2023
⏰ Today, we showcase our preparedness, our unity, and our resilience.
At 10:19AM, hundreds of thousands will come together to “Drop, Cover & Hold On.”
Remember, it's more than a drill—it's our commitment to safety. #ShakeOutBC #DropCoverHoldOn pic.twitter.com/6hRNcPQH3N
Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma says although most quakes in B-C are too small to feel, the province has about three-thousand shakers every year and it's just a matter of time before a major one hits.
There are 3000 earthquakes a year in BC & many British Columbians live in #earthquake zones. Practice how to Drop, Cover & Hold-On during the @ShakeOutBC drill today...
— Bowinn Ma (@BowinnMa) October 19, 2023
... and visit https://t.co/GyFbm5DNXm to learn how to build an emergency kit to keep you and your family safe. pic.twitter.com/tg4O9Xb6ZZ
She says practising earthquake preparedness, including creating a home emergency plan and building an emergency kit, are actions that can keep everyone as safe as possible.