ANNUAL EARTHQUAKE SHAKEOUT DRILL – THURSDAY OCTOBER 19TH 2023

At 10:19 am on Thursday, October 19, millions of people worldwide will practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills. The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) strongly encourages all community organizations residents and businesses in the SRD to do the same. To formally register your participation in Shakeout please visit www.shakeoutbc.ca. Registration takes less than a minute.

Some additional steps that you can take to enhance our region’s resiliency to respond to a major earthquake are:

• Strengthening the preparedness of your household and neighbourhood
• Become a Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer
• Receive basic training in Rapid Damage Assessment and Light Urban Search and Rescue
• Tall, top-heavy furniture, such as bookcases and entertainment centers, may fall and cause injury. Secure both top corners of tall furniture into a wall stud, not just to the drywall. Flexible-mount fasteners, such as nylon straps, allow furniture independent movement from the wall and reduce strain on studs.
• Establish an out-of-province contact person who can be called by everyone in the household to relay information. Or, provide everyone in your household with walkie-talkies so they can immediately contact each other if regular communications are disrupted.
• Learn First Aid and CPR.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the suggestions mentioned above, or about SRD’s regional emergency program, please visit www.srd.ca/emergency-preparedness or contact SRD Protective Services Coordinator, Shaun Koopman at preparedness@srd.ca or 250-830-6702.

Additionally, here are some thoughts for you and your family to consider when developing your household earthquake plan.  See additional helpful resources and toolkits at www.srd.ca/household-community-preparedness.

How are you prepared to adapt if the services you rely on are disrupted?

• Water may be in short supply.
• Natural gas and electric power may be out for days or weeks.
• Garbage and sewage services may be interrupted.
• Telephone, internet, cell phone, and wireless communications may be overloaded or unavailable.
• Mail service may be disrupted or delayed.
• Gasoline may be in short supply, and rationing may be necessary.
• Bank operations may be disrupted, limiting access to cash, ATMs, or online banking.
• Grocery, drug, and other retail stores may be closed or unable to restock shelves.

Will you be able to stay in your home?

• Your home may be damaged and unsafe to live in.
• Your personal property may be damaged or destroyed.
• Construction materials and labor for repairs will be in limited supply and costs will increase.

Will you have medical services?

• The 9-1-1 emergency system will likely be overloaded.
• Hospitals and other medical facilities may be damaged.
• Emergency rooms and trauma centers may be overwhelmed.
• Assisted living, critical care, and other health services such as dialysis may not be operational.

What could traveling look like?

• Road damage and closures may restrict your ability to travel by car.
• Public transportation, including buses, ferries, and airports may experience closures or interruptions in service.

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Media Contact: Shaun Koopman – SRD Protective Services Coordinator  |  250-830-6702 |  skoopman@srd.ca