The 2013 Great British Columbia ShakeOutdrill is happening at 10:17am on October 17, 2013. Join thousands of British Columbians as they drop, cover and hold in Canada’s largest earthquake drill.

The province of British Columbia has officially proclaimed October 17 ShakeOut BC Day. Participating in the Great BC ShakeOut and practicing the life-saving drill of “drop, cover and hold” is an important step for you and your organization to help you respond more quickly and effectively when an actual earthquake occurs. Register for the BC ShakeOut at www.shakeoutbc.ca.

“Hundreds of thousands of people up and down North America’s earthquake-prone west coast have already registered to participate. The ShakeOut drill is also a great time to review and update your emergency plans and supplies, so you can further minimize damage and injuries when an earthquake hits,” says Teron Moore, co-chair of the Great BC ShakeOut Organizing Committee.

“Earthquakes can strike anywhere at any time. Although we cannot predict when the next big one will hit, we can prepare,” says Bill Adams, IBC vice-president, Western & Pacific. “You can practice protecting yourself from an earthquake by annually participating in the BC ShakeOut drill, having an emergency plan and kit at the ready to protect your family for at least 72 hours.”

To learn more about the ShakeOut drill, please visit www.shakeoutbc.ca.