Three crisp honks from an air horn in Saanich municipal hall marked the drop, cover and hold on drill during the on Thursday.

Mayor Richard Atwell was in council chambers at the time and ducked under a sturdy desk.

B次元官网网址淚 think a lot of the challenge is in preparing mentally, not just physically,B次元官网网址� said Atwell, whose emergency kit is ready at his Royal Oak home.

This yearB次元官网网址檚 focus at Saanich was preparing staff in the work place, as staff will have many responsibilities in the case of an earthquake and they need to be ready, said Capt. Maeghan Thompson of Saanich Fire DepartmentB次元官网网址檚 Emergency Program.

What residents need, first and foremost, is to have emergency supplies ready.

B次元官网网址淭ake a look around the house before you go shopping for items in the emergency kit because a lot of what you need is already there,B次元官网网址� Thompson said.

Secondly, itB次元官网网址檚 important to have an emergency kit ready not just to be prepared, but to also be ready to help others, Atwell said.

B次元官网网址淲ith my emergency kit ready, my goal is to know what neighbours are alone, and who might need help in an emergency,B次元官网网址� Atwell said.

Being prepared if a disaster strikes at work isnB次元官网网址檛 often thought about, but itB次元官网网址檚 where most people are during the day. Think again about night time, as we spend 35 per cent of the day in the bedroom, Thompson said.

B次元官网网址淗aving bookshelves attached to the wall [studs] is a great idea, not having heavy items over beds or cribs, too,B次元官网网址� Thompson said. B次元官网网址淭he biggest thing other than physical readiness is communication, like the mayor said, knowing what strengths and weaknesses are in you neighbourhood. First responders are going to be busy, find out who can do what in your neighbourhood.B次元官网网址�

Some things residents can consider include:

路 Discussing a number of scenarios with your family and making a plan for each.

路 Determining a meeting place for your family and establishing a communication plan.

路 Storing seasonal clothing and footwear at work.

路 Making a plan to get home from work if roads are closed to traffic.

路 Having essential items at work such a medications, glasses and contact information.