Are you prepared for when the B次元官网网址淏ig OneB次元官网网址� hits? The annual Great B.C. Shakeout is bringing that question top of mind for British Columbians.

Some organizations, like UBCB次元官网网址檚 Earthquake Engineering Research Facility, will be demonstrating how earthquakes impact structures and sharing tips on improving earthquake safety at home by offering tours of their facility to the public on Thursday (Oct. 21).

Principal investigator and director of EERF Carlos Ventura says preparation is key.

B次元官网网址淟iving in B.C., we should all have our own earthquake drills every single day. Every time we walk into a space that is new to us, even in our office spaces, in a board room, a library, a coffee shop, ask yourself B次元官网网址� What do I do if the ground starts shaking suddenly? How prepared am I? Do I have a game plan in mind? Are there overhead hazards to be aware of? Should I expect a flying object hitting my head? Is there a suitable space close to me or a table that I can get cover under? We should all get used to the thought process, develop a habit, and build an earthquake preparedness culture.B次元官网网址�

Research indicates thereB次元官网网址檚 a 10 per cent chance that a magnitude 9 earthquake will strike B.C. over the next 30 years, and a 30 per cent chance of an earthquake big enough to cause B次元官网网址渟ignificantB次元官网网址� property damage striking within the next 50 years.

So far, over 720,000 participants have registered to participate in the Great B.C. Shakeout. Shakeout B.C., a resource created specifically to promote the event and earthquake education. They recommend securing household items before an earthquake strikes, creating an emergency plan to keep your family safe and procuring at least 72 hours worth of emergency supplies to be kept in easy-to-access areas of your home.

When an earthquake does strike, Shakeout B.C. says B次元官网网址渄rop, cover and hold onB次元官网网址�. Dropping onto your hands and knees prevents you from falling over. Finding cover under sturdy surfaces will prevent debris from falling onto you, or get down next to an interior wall away from windows. Then itB次元官网网址檚 time to hold on: if youB次元官网网址檙e under shelter hold on to your shelter with one hand and be ready to move with it, if youB次元官网网址檙e not under shelter hold on to your neck and head with both hands.

The takes place at 10:21 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21.

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