ShakeOut BC - October 17

2013 marks UBC’s fourth year participating in the province-wide ShakeOut BC earthquake preparedness exercise.

Why is it important to do a Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill? To react quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake, before strong shaking knocks you down–or drops something on you. Practicing helps you be ready to respond.

On October 17 at 10:17 a.m. we encourage the UBC community to:

If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, then:

  1. DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!)
  2. Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
  3. HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.
If you are
  • Indoors:  Stay there till the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings in British Columbia you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops.
  • Outdoors: Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, street lights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay there until the shaking stops.
  • Driving:  Pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.

In BC, minor earthquakes are not infrequent (1,200 are recorded each year in BC) and a major earthquake will eventually occur in Vancouver.

Make sure you’re prepared. Check out these resources

Form more information visit UBC ShakeOut