Are you ready to ShakeOut in BC?

From the ShakeOutBC website

From the ShakeOutBC website

It’s scary to think how bad the The Big One could be here on the West Coast. Like many, I’m hoping it’s after my time – but since no one really knows, I’ll do what I can to be prepared.

On Thursday, October 20 at 10:20 a.m., I’ll join hundreds of thousands of my fellow British Columbians to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during the Great British Columbia ShakeOut.

Last year more than 470,000 people participated in this event for the first time, and now it’s annual – every third Thursday in October.

What if there’s an earthquake when you’re at work?

Here in BC, companies are not required to buy earthquake supplies for their staff. You may need to take things into your own hands and be prepared to be stuck at work for a few days if nearby bridges and roads are destroyed.

From the ShakeOutBC website

From the ShakeOutBC website

I wrote about this topic after last year’s ShakeOut. Scott Larsen of Krasicki and Ward Emergency Preparedness gave me this advice on how to be prepared if there is an earthquake when you are at work.

Scott said:

1) Read earthquake preparedness info on your municipality’s website.
2) Store heavy books on bottom shelves so they won’t fall on you.
3) Keep a spare supply of critical medications with you, in case you can’t get home or go to a pharmacy.
4) Make sure you have shoes you can wear to evacuate the building. Keep a pair of boots handy if you wear pumps or dress shoes because you will have to walk on glass and sharp debris.
5) Keep cash with you in case ATMs stop working.
6) If you are a parent, make sure you have a plan for your kids and who will pick them up.

ShakeOut on social media

Like ShakeOutBC on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to connect with other participants. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about using Twitter or Facebook to do this. If you’re not already using social media, you’ll see it’s easier than you imagined!

Share

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *