More than 730,000 British Columbians participated in this year’s ShakeOut BC event – an event the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has called a success.
The Great ShakeOut event is an annual opportunity for participants to practice how to stay safe during big earthquakes. It is a global program with participants in the US, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and 51 other countries.
In Canada, three provinces/territories participate in the annual ShakeOut events: British Columbia, Quebec, and the Yukon Territory. According to the IBC, BC in particular is at high risk of an earthquake, noting that there is a one-in-three chance that a “significant” earthquake will strike southwestern BC within the next 50 years.
ShakeOut BC has been holding events since 2011. This year’s event was held on October 21, 2021
"I encourage all British Columbians to join us for this unique opportunity to practice the ShakeOut drill and have a frank discussion regarding earthquake preparedness with your families,” said IBC Pacific and Western vice president Aaron Sutherland.
"ShakeOut is the world's largest earthquake drill with more than 730,000 British Columbians and over 31.1 million people worldwide registered to participate this year,” said BC Earthquake Alliance president Naomi Yamamoto. “The pandemic has taught us to be ready for anything. Now is the time to update our emergency plans and practice Drop, Cover and Hold-On!"
"Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. At the Canadian Red Cross, we highlight the importance of both knowing the risks in your community and taking steps to prepare for a disaster or an emergency,” said Canadian Red Cross vice president of BC and Yukon Pat Quealey. “The Great British Columbia ShakeOut is an excellent way for people to practice how to Drop, Cover and Hold On in the event of an earthquake.”
