785,000 participants attended this year’s Great British Columbia Shakeout, a record number for the tradition that takes place every year on Earthquake Day.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada co-sponsored the event, which aims to spread awareness of safe earthquake practices.
In particular, the ShakeOut aims to popularize the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drill, which is globally acknowledged as the best response to seismic activity. The practice involves dropping to the ground before the earthquake can cause a person to tumble, then finding a safe place that will shelter against falling objects and gripping something sturdy to stay there.
"Since launching the Great British Columbia ShakeOut in 2011, we've seen participation jump from 470,000 to a new record of 785,000 in 2015," Dave Cockle, president of the BC Earthquake Alliance, said in a statement. "I think that reflects an increased understanding of the earthquake risk in B.C. and the need to be prepared.”
Over 41.5 million people around the world have taken part in these drills worldwide, but British Columbia remains particularly susceptible. Since the province experiences more than 3,000 earthquakes every year, event organizers encouraged residents to develop an emergency plan and prepare well-stocked kits with provisions for the days following a quake.
The IBC says that it chose to be involved with this event as part of its mandate to help British Columbians become more knowledgeable and better prepared for a potential disaster.
"IBC is a proud sponsor of the Great British Columbia ShakeOut because we believe everyone plays an important role in preparing Canada for an earthquake. We continue to work with governments and Canadians to create a culture of preparedness," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western and Pacific, IBC.
Researchers believe there is a one in 10 chance that a “destructive megathrust earthquake” could overcome British Columbia in the next 50 years.
