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Residents across the Tri-Cities are urged to join in the largest earthquake drill in BC on October 19 at 10:19 a.m. – the Great British Columbia ShakeOut.

Organized by the BC Earthquake Alliance Society, ShakeOut BC provides residents with an opportunity to practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” earthquake protocol and also make sure they are prepared for an earthquake at home, school, office and on-the-road.

Each year, about 4,000 earthquakes are recorded in Canada – many of these in the seismically active region around BC. Most are small, but at least nine earthquakes in or near Canada have registered a magnitude of seven or more in the past century.

A magnitude six earthquake could do extensive damage to the Tri-Cities. Individuals who are prepared for a major disaster will suffer fewer injuries and less property damage, and be better equipped to care for themselves afterwards as authorities work to restore services.

The cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody are urging all Tri-City residents to hold drills in their homes, schools or workplaces on October 19 at 10:19 a.m. The three cities collaborate on emergency preparedness planning to ensure a coordinated response if a disaster occurs.

How to participate:

• Visit shakeoutbc.ca to register as a participant and download resources (including sound effects to play during the drill and emergency preparation information).
• Encourage your family, neighbours and colleagues to take part in the drill.
• At 10:19 a.m. on October 19, practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On’ protocol:
  • Drop to the ground,
  • Take cover by getting under a desk/table (or cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building), and
  • Hold on for 60 seconds. During this time, look around and imagine what would happen during an earthquake. What could fall down on you or be damaged? Make note of tasks to conduct after the drill, (e.g. anchor large furniture pieces).
• After the drill, practice what you will do after the shaking stops.

How to get prepared for an earthquake:

• Sign up for your City’s free emergency preparedness course. Port Coquitlam’s next course is scheduled for November 25 www.portcoquitlam.ca/ep. You can visit www.coquitlam.ca/emergtraining to get details and register online for a number of free courses that run in Coquitlam this fall and winter.
• Do a “hazard hunt” in your home, workplace or classroom for items that might fall during earthquakes, and secure them.
• Create a personal or family disaster plan (visit www.getprepared.gc.ca for information).
• Organize or refresh your emergency supply kits. Consider that you may not be home when an earthquake occurs, and that you may need to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours afterwards.
• Identify and correct any issues in your home’s structure.
• Visit www.shakeoutbc.ca for more resources.

Emergency preparedness tips and information can be found at the following City websites: www.portcoquitlam.ca/ep, www.coquitlam.ca/preparedness, www.portmoody.ca/emergency.

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