IBC Shaking Through BC Municipalities

Opportunity for British Columbians to experience an earthquake

VANCOUVER, April 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has teamed up with the Government of British Columbia, 34 municipalities and local universities to shake through greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast with an important message: preparedness is vital. The IBC ShakeZone tour will make stops across BC and provide a unique opportunity for residents to experience an earthquake in a safe and informative environment. 

"More than 3,000 earthquakes occur in BC every year and experts predict that there is a 30% chance that a major earthquake will strike at some point over the next 50 years," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western & Pacific, IBC. "The ShakeZone aims to give British Columbians an interesting experience while promoting the need to know the risk and be prepared."  

The ShakeZone tour uses the Quake Cottage, a portable earthquake simulator that first visited British Columbia last year. Visitors to the ShakeZone will experience what a magnitude 8.0 earthquake feels like.  They will also learn steps they can take in their home to help make sure their families are safe, such as equipping the home with an emergency preparedness kit.

Despite the relatively high likelihood of an earthquake in the next 50 years, a recent Pollara poll showed that residents of BC don't think an earthquake is likely to hit their area during that time. In 2013, IBC also commissioned a report that showed Canadians simply aren't prepared for an earthquake.

"The ShakeZone will help educate British Columbians about the risk of an earthquake while providing a little entertainment at the same time," added Adams.

The ShakeZone is making 34 stops across BC.  To learn more or find an event near you, please visit http://www.ibc.ca/bc/disaster/earthquake/shakezone/

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 120,000 Canadians, pays $8.2 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_West or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Ariella Kimmel, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 416-550-9062 (after hours), [email protected]