Thursday marks the annual Great B.C. Shakeout, with people encouraged to drop, cover and hold on at 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19. (Great Canadian Shakeout/Dreamstime)

By Alex Rawnsley

drop, cover and hold on

‘Important for all residents to take part in:’ earthquake drill key in successful response to major event

Oct 16, 2023 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — Thursday marks the annual Great B.C. Shakeout, a massive earthquake drill held across the province.

At 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19, people are encouraged to drop, cover and hold on under the theme of earthquake preparedness, while also using the occasion to brush up on their plans, procedures and preparations for when the ‘big one’ strikes.

Erica Beauchamp, RDN manager of emergency preparedness, said all their facilities will pause, including transit busses which will pull over at the allotted time to recognize the drill.

“B.C. is considered at high risk for earthquakes and this is an opportunity to practice how to be prepared during such an event. This brings about conversations such as emergency preparedness, which is important for all residents to take part in.”

Many experts say it’s only a matter of time before coastal B.C. is subjected to a major seismic event, emphasizing the need to be prepared.

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After the drill, Beauchamp said she and her colleagues are encouraging people to have a conversation about what to do in a real-world situation.

“People should be doing a hazard hunt in their homes and workplaces for items which may fall during an earthquake, these items should be secured. People should also create and review their home, personal and family emergency plans including for pets, practice drills with family members.”

The biggest step towards preparation is ensuring you have a survival kit with key items to last you at least 72 hours, upwards of a week.

Food, water, medications, batteries, clothing and anything else you might need for three to seven days without household water or electricity should be packed inside.

Beauchamp said one of the most overlooked aspects of an emergency kit is a replacement for your cell phone, if it’s lost or damaged.

“Do you have backup plans for the contacts in your phone? Have you made a plan for your pets? Do you have backup medications, or eyeglasses…things you use every day that you might not think about needing until you’re in a situation where you don’t have them.”

In the event of a major emergency, local governments would coordinate at a variety of facilities to mobilize a response.

Nanaimo’s new number one fire hall also doubles as a seismically safe emergency operations centre and would coordinate many resources in the City.

Beauchamp said people should also consider subscribing to an emergency alert system like Voyent Alert, with the City of Nanaimo, Parksville and the RDN using the service to distribute potentially life-saving information in the event of an emergency.

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