Week 4 - ShakeOut BC Earthquake Drill

By Jackie Kloosterboer – Earthquake Preparedness Specialist &                  Author – My Earthquake Preparedness Guide

Living along the West Coast it should be no surprise we live in an area that can be impacted by earthquakes. What I find surprising is how very few of us are prepared to deal with an earthquake - many have no plans for themselves, their families or pets. 

This is frightening when you think of what it would be like after an earthquake in our communities. Think back to late August when the Windstorm ravished our neighbourhoods and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people.  That is small potatoes when compared to what the aftermath of an earthquake would look like.

That is why you need to join over 760,000 BC residents and be a part of the annual ShakeOut BC Earthquake Drill. You and your family need to practice what to do when facing an earthquake. 

Turn on your radio prior to 10:15 and experience what an earthquake would be like.  In addition to practicing what to do - take it a step further - think about where your family are.  If phone lines are down - would you be able to connect with them, would they be able to get home if roads and bridges are damaged - could you get home. This my friends is what you need to be prepared for living in an area that can be impacted by earthquakes. 

"DROP, COVER & HOLD ON" needs to become second nature to all of us. As soon as you feel the earth start to move you need to drop down underneath a table or desk or against an interior wall if no table or desk is available, cover your head and hold on. Wait for the shaking to stop then count to 60.  Slowly get out from underneath the table or desk, looking for fallen debris, broken glass. 

When we feel the earth start to move it is human nature to want to run to safety. This is the last thing you want to do. This is when many injuries occur as debris will be flying across the room.  That is why you need to practice "DROP, COVER & HOLD ON"  as that is what is going to protect you.

Go on - set your alarm for 10:10 and get ready to practice "DROP, COVER & HOLD ON." This action could save your life when facing an earthquake.

Next Thursday we will be picking up where we left off with your OUT OF AREA CONTACT and look at other ways to connect with your family when phone lines are down. 

Until next week - stay safe and get those plans in place.

Be Prepared - Not Scared

Jackie Kloosterboer has been leading the way in earthquake preparedness for 2 decades presenting more than 100 Earthquake Preparedness sessions each year. She is often interviewed by a variety of media outlets across Canada as she promotes the importance of earthquake and disaster preparedness.

As an Emergency Planner and an Instructor with the Justice Institute of BC Jackie travels across Canada teaching volunteers how to respond to disasters to help those who have been displaced. Throughout British Columbia Jackie has taken on leadership roles assisting those who have been impacted by disaster.

Contact Jackie at (604) 355-2414 or jackie@survive-it.ca

www.survive-it.ca