The Great BC ShakeOut returns to Nanaimo at 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, with the annual ShakeOut drill. This event is part of International ShakeOut Day (the third Thursday of October) dedicated to spreading earthquake and emergency awareness.
The City of Nanaimo October 14 press release states: “[The Great BC ShakeOut is] more than just practising the drop, cover and hold on response. It’s about awareness, knowing the implications an earthquake may have, and knowing how to keep yourself and your family safe.”
During the drill, residents and businesses will go over what to do if an earthquake happens. They are asked to:
DROP to the ground;
Take COVER under a table or desk; and
HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.
If there are no tables or desks nearby, don’t leave the room. Instead, drop to the ground in an inside corner and use your hands and arms to cover your neck and head.
The drill will air on 102.3 the Wave and 106.9 the Wolf radio stations at 10:20 a.m. Until then, residents and businesses are encouraged to review current earthquake/emergency plans and emergency kits, while being mindful of COVID-19 health guidelines.
For more information, visit the https://www.shakeoutbc.ca. To register and participate, check out the How to Participate page. For additional resources, including the Are You Prepared? quiz and the Emergency Supplies Checklist, visit the Personal Preparedness page on the City of Nanaimo website.
The Great BC ShakeOut is one of a series of drills and demonstrations during October, designated as Emergency Preparedness Month by the City of Nanaimo. During Fire Prevention Week (October 3-9), the City and the National Fire Protection Association partnered for messages about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
On October 28, the City will test the Voyent Alert! system, an app that allows Nanaimo residents to get messages about weather-related maintenance such as snow removal and water advisories or crisis situations like fires and floods. The app is available from the App Store and GooglePlay or the Voyent Alert! website. You can also register by phone at 250-758-5222.
