Why Should You Participate?

We all should be better prepared for major earthquakes, and know how to protect ourselves when they happen. The purpose of the ShakeOut is to help people and organizations do both.

While potential earthquake hazards depend on your location, everywhere in British Columbia is considered at high risk in relation to the rest of the country because of the Cascadia Subduction Zone off our coast. On January 26, 1700, a magnitude 9 earthquake (similar to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake off the coast of Japan) shook the entire province as well as Washington, Oregon, and California, and generated a massive tsunami.

The box on the lower right suggests reasons why you may choose to participate in the ShakeOut, links to how different groups can participate, and what is happening in your area.

PROTECT YOURSELF!

Why is it important to do a Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill? As with anything, to react quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake, before strong shaking knocks you down--or drops something on you.

    You should participate if:
  • You know that life-saving actions that must be done instantly, such as drop, cover, and hold on, must be practiced often.
  • You want to use the ShakeOut as a reason for getting prepared now.
  • You were invited to register by someone you know, and you want to join them.
  • You are excited that so many people are working together to prepare British Columbia!

As a registered ShakeOut participant you will:

  • Be counted in Canada's largest ever earthquake drill!
  • Be an example that motivates others to participate and get prepared
  • Be updated with ShakeOut news and other information about earthquakes and preparedness

How you can participate:

Custom Instructions (PDFs) are available with tips on how to plan your drill, how to get prepared, and how to share the ShakeOut with others:

©2012 SCEC Southern California Earthquake Center USC
The Great British Columbia ShakeOut