Over 700,000 British Columbians Participate in Successful ShakeOut BC Earthquake Drill
British Columbia took a significant step towards earthquake preparedness this week as over 700,000 residents participated in the annual Great British Columbia ShakeOut (ShakeOut BC) earthquake drill. Joining millions worldwide, individuals, families, and workplaces across the province joined in a collective effort to practice the vital ‘Drop, Cover and Hold On’ technique, a crucial step in mitigating injuries during an earthquake.
The event, hosted by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders to emphasize the importance of preparedness. Representatives from the ShakeOut BC Planning Committee, BC Earthquake Alliance, VFPA, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), and the media were all present, participating in the drill and reinforcing the message of community resilience.
The theme for this year’s event, “If you are prepared for an earthquake, you are prepared for any emergency,” highlighted the overarching importance of being prepared for any disaster. The event included a public emergency preparedness fair featuring information booths from a variety of organizations, including ShakeOut BC, Natural Resources Canada, Fortis BC, and PreparedBC. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience the Quake Cottage earthquake simulator, a realistic simulation of a major earthquake designed to provide a visceral understanding of the forces at play during a seismic event.
Quotes from Key Leaders:
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Mayor Ken Sim, City of Vancouver:
“I’m proud to support the BCEA as they host the largest earthquake drill ever in our province. The Great BC ShakeOut isn’t just about practice – it’s about coming together as a community and making sure every Vancouverite knows how to tackle whatever challenges come our way. Let’s embrace this opportunity to build a culture of preparedness, and make our community stronger and more resilient than ever.”*
Naomi Yamamoto, Chair, BC Earthquake Alliance:
“We’re thrilled to see so many people in BC committed to preparedness, with hundreds of thousands participating in our latest BC ShakeOut. We were excited to add the Quake Cottage simulator to this year’s event, and are grateful to our sponsors and partner organizations. We encourage everyone in the province to participate every year—this practice could one day save lives.”*
Greg Moy, Manager, Government Relations, Pacific & Western, Insurance Bureau of Canada:
“IBC is proud to sponsor ShakeOut BC once again. Earthquakes pose a real threat to our communities, with a 30% chance of a strong, damaging earthquake striking southwestern British Columbia within the next 50 years. The time to prepare is now. Practicing how to respond and reinforcing the importance of preparedness helps all people in BC be ready to respond quickly and effectively.”*
Shri Madiwal, Acting VP, Operations and Supply Chain, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority:
“We were honored to be the host venue for the 14th annual ShakeOut BC earthquake drill. As Canada’s largest port, the Port of Vancouver is an integral part of the supply chain—ensuring Canadians have reliable access to goods. We recognize the critical role the port would have in the event of an earthquake to support response and recovery of the region. We were pleased to host our partners at this year’s drill and encouraged by how many people in BC participated in this important event.”About ShakeOut BC:
ShakeOut BC earthquake drills are designed to empower individuals, families, and workplaces to practice safety measures during an earthquake. This annual event provides a valuable opportunity for everyone to enhance their overall preparedness. By participating, individuals, families, and communities across BC contribute to a shared commitment to building a more resilient future.
About BC Earthquake Alliance:
Founded in 2010, BC Earthquake Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a culture of earthquake and tsunami preparedness. Their mission is to work collaboratively with residents, businesses, and all levels of government to improve education, readiness, and resilience for people in BC before, during, and after an earthquake or tsunami.
About Insurance Bureau of Canada:
Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto, and business insurers. IBC is committed to advocating for a competitive and responsive private P&C insurance industry, ensuring Canadians have access to essential insurance solutions.
Get Involved:
Follow and use the hashtag #ShakeOutBC on social media to stay informed and engaged in earthquake preparedness efforts. You can also visit the websites of BC Earthquake Alliance (bcearthquakealliance.ca) and Insurance Bureau of Canada (ibc.ca) for more information and resources.
