Media Advisory - Are you ready for Canada's largest fake quake?

British Columbia prepares for the Great BC ShakeOut on October 17 

TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2013 /CNW/ -

WHAT:	The BC Earthquake Alliance and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) are pleased to present Canada's largest earthquake drill. Attorney General and Justice Minister Suzanne Anton will join representatives from the BC Earthquake Alliance and IBC in participating with Ridgeway Elementary's staff and students in the Great BC ShakeOut. Speaking remarks will be followed by the "drop, cover and hold on" drill.
WHY:	Participating in the Great BC ShakeOut and practising the life-saving drill of "drop, cover and hold on" is an important step for British Columbia families to help them respond more quickly and effectively when an actual earthquake occurs.
WHO:	Attorney General and Justice Minister Suzanne Anton Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western & Pacific, IBC  Franci Stratton, Chair, North Vancouver Board of Education Aline Burlone, Principal, Ridgeway Elementary School Dave Cockle, President, BC Earthquake Alliance Miranda Myles, Co-chair BC ShakeOut Organizing Committee Honn Kao, Earthquake Seismologist and Research Scientist, Natural Resources Canada
WHEN:	Thursday, October 17, from 9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Interviews available following the earthquake drill in the multi-purpose room downstairs.
WHERE:	Ridgeway Elementary, 420 8th St E, North Vancouver, BC Press conference at school main entrance begins 9:45 a.m., drill in library at 10:10 a.m. Limited school parking available Alternative parking on Moody Ave. or Ridgeway Ave.
	Find Ridgeway Elementary on Google Maps

Don't be left out, there is still time to:

Register for the BC ShakeOut at http://www.shakeoutbc.ca/register.

Download the BC ShakeOut audio drill broadcast and play it during your "drop, cover and hold on" drill on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. Click here to download the drill broadcast.

Radio stations are encouraged to broadcast the drill. List your station on our site so listeners can tune in to the drill.

About ShakeOut
Great ShakeOut earthquake drills help people in homes, schools, and organizations practice how to be safe during big earthquakes, and provide an opportunity for everyone to improve their overall preparedness. By participating, you can have assurance that you, your family, your co-workers and millions of others will be better prepared to survive and recover quickly from the next big earthquake in your region.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook.

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

or to schedule an interview, contact:

Helen Lialias
Media Relations Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 ext. 4312
[email protected]