Victoria lies on a fault line so we have to remain vigilant and prepared for an earthquake every day.
BC ShakeOut Week is here to remind us all of the importance of preparedness in the face of natural catastrophe.
To help British Columbians prepare, the province has a new plan to increase the preparedness and resiliency in the face of future earthquakes.
The Provincial Earthquake Immediate Response Strategy (PEIRS) will replace the Earthquake Immediate Response Plan, which was established in 2015.
The new strategy outlines the roles, responsibilities and integration of governments, agencies and partners during a catastrophic earthquake. PEIRS is meant to be flexible, so it can be used for other major emergency events too, such as flooding.
“We know areas of B.C. are at risk of earthquakes, and we need to ensure that we’re as prepared as possible, and that all partners will be unified and ready when it happens,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness.
“Last year’s floods and wildfires were a reminder that disasters caused by natural hazards can happen at any time, and this strategy will build on the Province’s overall preparedness for all types of emergencies to keep people and communities safe.”
Most notably, the new strategy considers the disproportionate impact of emergencies and natural disasters on more vulnerable populations. The province worked alongside First Nations when putting together the new strategy to accomplish this.
It also takes into consideration lessons learned on behalf of the province while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and 2021 atmospheric rivers.
For the time being though, the annual Great British Columbia ShakeOut is an opportunity to practice how to be safer during big earthquakes.
If an earthquake strikes, you have seconds to protect yourself.
Taking the right actions can prevent injuries & save lives. Practice "Drop, Cover, Hold On" during the Great #ShakeOutBC drill Thu, Oct. 20 at 10:20 am.
Register: https://t.co/ysGiqsV5Yr pic.twitter.com/lvGl2xGrEx
— Prepared BC (@PreparedBC) October 14, 2022
On Oct. 20, 2022, at 10:20 a.m., people throughout BC in schools, workplaces and public places are encouraged to register for the ShakeOut and practice how to drop, cover and hold on.
BC ShakeOut Week goes from October 16th to October 22nd this year.
