The Great BC Shakeout goes at 10:17 a.m. on Oct. 17 every year, to remind people what to do in the event of a large natural disaster. (ShakeOut BC)

By Alex Rawnsley

shake out survival

Drop, cover and hold on: Great BC Shakeout refining earthquake readiness

Oct 17, 2024 | 5:30 AM

NANAIMO — Oct. 17 marks the annual provincial earthquake preparedness drill.

Cell phones, radios and television stations will all display an alert at 10:17 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17 for the Great BC Shakeout, reminding everyone of what to do should a large earthquake hit.

The drill is expected to be conducted simultaneously at local businesses, schools, government offices and, experts hope, in many homes across the region.

“Engineers, search and rescue experts and emergency managers all agree that the best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to practice the drop, cover and hold on method during an earthquake, once you start to feel the ground shake,” Kelli Kryzanowski with Emergency Management BC said.

Knowing what to do instinctively during an earthquake is critical to survival, according to Kryzanowski.

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She said once the shaking stops, wait and count to 60 before getting out from under your cover, as there is “a very good chance” aftershocks or larger earthquakes could occur.

“Once you’ve let go and get out from underneath the sturdy piece of furniture, there’s a real chance that things can fall on you and that is the most likely way that people are hurt and killed during earthquakes in developed countries.”

The annual exercise is also an opportunity for local government and first responders to test their alert systems.

Municipalities on the Voyent Alert! system are expected to send out a notification coinciding with the earthquake drill and are encouraging everyone to sign up for the free service.

While minor earthquakes are common across southern British Columbia, some residents reported feeling a stronger 3.5 magnitude tremor earlier this month.

No damage occurred from the early morning quake but reports of shaking were noted in Nanaimo.

— with files from 97.3 The Eagle

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