Thursday, Oct. 18 at 10:18, is the annual BC ShakeOUt Drill.
Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, BC ShakeOut and the Canadian Red Cross encourage Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if there was a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds.
“It’s extremely important that people move as little as possible during the shaking as most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs, flying glass and falling objects,” manager Red Cross Disaster Management Lise Anne Pierce said.
“The more often we practice drop, cover and hold on, the more likely we will react in the safest way.”
In the event of an earthquake, persons in a building should not move more than a fews steps and then drop, take cover under a sturdy desk or table and hold on until the shaking stops.
When outdoors, in the event of an earthquake, BC ShakeOut advises to stay away from buildings trees, streetlights and power lines, then drop, cover and hold on.
If driving when an earthquake hits, drivers should pull over in a clear area, stop their vehicle and remain in the vehicle, with seat belts fastened, until the shaking stops.
Visit http://www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_preparedness/Directory_Earthquakes.pdf or www.redcross.ca/bcshakeout for tips on how to be prepared for emergencies.