"Don't be left out" - The Great BC ShakeOut is coming October 18
VANCOUVER, Oct. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Join hundreds of thousands of British Columbians as they "Drop, Cover and Hold On" during the 2018 Great British Columbia (BC) ShakeOut. The BC Earthquake Alliance and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) are working together to present Canada's largest earthquake preparedness drill this Thursday, October 18, at 10:18 a.m.
Register today and encourage your family, friends and colleagues to do the same at www.ShakeOutBC.ca.
"Don't be left out of this year's Great BC ShakeOut on October 18," said Dave Cockle, President of the BC Earthquake Alliance. "Right now, over 800,000 British Columbians have registered to take part. But we have a long way to go before everyone in the province knows what to do in the event of an earthquake."
"It's not enough to know what to do in an earthquake. You have to practice what you know so you're ready to take immediate action once the shaking starts," said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness in British Columbia. "That's why I'm encouraging all British Columbians to take a few minutes on October 18 to Drop, Cover and Hold On during the Great BC ShakeOut. Practicing an emergency drill like ShakeOut, along with having an emergency kit and plan, is the key to better preparing ourselves and our families for earthquakes."
ShakeOut BC has been holding events since 2011, yet many individuals still don't know what to do when an earthquake hits. This year, ShakeOut BC created a series of new videos to reach British Columbians who have never heard of ShakeOut and may be unaware that much of coastal BC is at high risk for an earthquake. The videos are available to share on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and can be found using the hashtag #dontbeleftout.
"There is a one-in-three chance that a significant earthquake will strike southwestern BC in the next 50 years," said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific, IBC.
"Governments, businesses and all British Columbians have a role to play in creating a true culture of earthquake preparedness across this province. By working together, we can make British Columbia safer and better prepared to cope when disaster strikes," Sutherland added.
Note to Editors:
If you work for a TV or radio station that will be airing a Great BC ShakeOut drill, celebrate your station's commitment to earthquake preparedness by listing its name on the ShakeOut BC website. Just fill out this form.
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. As of today, 42 million people worldwide are registered to participate in the October 18th drill, including more than 670,000 British Columbians currently registered to participate. Last year nearly 900,000 British Columbians participated.
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.
If you require more information, spokespeople from IBC and the Great BC ShakeOut are available to discuss the details in this media release.
SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada
To schedule an interview, please contact: Vanessa Barrasa, Manager, Media Relations, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-550-9062, [email protected]
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