Are you ready for the big one?

Whether or not you are prepared you can still get ready with an earthquake drill taking place across the province on Oct. 19.

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut is an annual event that ties into drills taking place worldwide and raises awareness for the need to be prepared in the event of a major earthquake.

READ MORE:

Emergency responders across the Capital Region are getting in on the action and are urging residents to do the same.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e trying to get over a million people this year,B次元官网网址� said Capt. Troy Mollin, View Royal Fire RescueB次元官网网址檚 emergency management officer.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e been doing it since they first brought it in.B次元官网网址�

As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 660,000 participants were registered for the Great British Columbian ShakeOut. Last year, more than 800,000 people took part.

While the idea of a wide-spread drill unofficially started in California, a City of Victoria councillor brought it to the region and the initiative quickly spread across the province.

Next Thursday (Oct. 19) at exactly 10:19 a.m. participants will stop whatever they are doing at that time, drop, cover and hold for at least 60 seconds.

While you this weekend, make sure the entire family is registered for :

B次元官网网址� ShakeOut BC (@ShakeOutBC)

But a lot of local municipalities arenB次元官网网址檛 stopping when that minute mark passes and are taking the opportunity to conduct full-scale emergency drills.

Mollin noted the Town of View Royal, for example, will do a full evacuation of its town hall and go into a full emergency simulation.

B次元官网网址淵ou can either do the drill itself or you can expand it to do the whole exercise,B次元官网网址� Mollin explained, adding it helps officials keep update on the latest protocols and management plans.

He noted itB次元官网网址檚 also a great reminder for residents to check the supplies in their earthquake kits are up-to-date and adequate for their household.

For more information or to participate, go to .

Like us on and follow us on