Vancouver, BC (Oct. 18, 2018) – Today a record 913,000 British Columbians participated in the 2018 Great British Columbia (BC) ShakeOut, joining millions around the world.
This year, representatives from the BC Earthquake Alliance, Emergency Management BC, and Insurance Bureau of Canada joined Ocean Networks Canada to demonstrate the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ drill and to celebrate the installation of the final set of earthquake early warning sensors above and under water off Canada’s west coast.
“More British Columbians participated in the ShakeOut drill than ever before, and that’s great news for safety,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness in British Columbia. “Earthquakes are one of the critical hazards we face in BC, and practicing how to drop, cover and hold on in an earthquake could save lives. I encourage everyone in an earthquake zone to continue being prepared by practicing these skills, and by having a plan and an emergency kit ready.”
“IBC is proud to once again take part in this year’s Great British Columbia ShakeOut” said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific, IBC. “Government, businesses, and all British Columbians have a role to play in creating a culture of earthquake preparedness across this province. By working together, we can make British Columbia a safer, better prepared province for when disaster strikes.”
“On behalf of the British Columbia Earthquake Alliance, we would like to thank all British Columbians for participating in the drop, cover and hold on drill and taking the first steps to becoming prepared for an earthquake,” said Dave Cockle, President of the BC Earthquake Alliance. “We encourage you to visit www.ShakeOutBC.ca to learn about more steps you can take to ensure your family is prepared for an earthquake.”
ShakeOut BC has been holding events since 2011, yet many individuals still don’t know what to do when an earthquake hits. To learn more, watch the new videos available on YouTube, or visit ShakeOutBC.ca.
About ShakeOut BC
ShakeOut BC earthquake drills help people at home, school and work practise how to be safe during an earthquake and provide an opportunity for everyone to improve their overall preparedness. By participating, you, your family, your co-workers and millions of others will be better prepared to survive and recover quickly following an earthquake.
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.
P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 126,000 Canadians, pays $9 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $54.7 billion.
For more information, visit IBC at www.ibc.ca.
SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)
Tags: earthquake, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), Natural Catastrophes, ShakeOut
