Media Advisory - Join us for the Great British Columbia ShakeOut

VANCOUVER, Oct. 13, 2015 /CNW/ - Join the Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness along with representatives from the BC Earthquake Alliance, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the City of Vancouver for the Great British Columbia ShakeOut.

The "Drop, Cover and Hold On" earthquake drill will include students from Elsie Roy Elementary School and help launch Earthquake Day – a joint City of Vancouver, University of British Columbia and Vancouver Public Library seismic preparedness event.

Media availability with drill participants and seismologists from the Geological Survey of Canada will follow the drill.

Date: October 15, 2015

Time: 9:45 a.m. PST (Media are encouraged to arrive at 9:30 a.m.)

Location: Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 
                 350 W Georgia St.  
                 Vancouver, BC

On-Site Media Contact: Celyeste Power (647-384-9872)

About ShakeOutBC

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut aims to raise awareness about BC's earthquake risk and the importance of "Drop, Cover and Hold On." In 2014, more than 744,000 British Columbians participated in the annual drill, joining more than 23.4 million people worldwide. For information about ShakeOutBC and how to take part visit www.shakeoutbc.ca. You can also connect with ShakeOutBC on Twitter (@ShakeOutBC), Facebook and Instagram.

Why "Drop, Cover and Hold On"?

"Drop, Cover, Hold On" is internationally recognized as the best way to prevent injuries and save lives during an earthquake. Dropping to the ground prevents the earthquake from dropping you first. Taking cover and holding helps protect you from flying objects and falling debris. Follow the link for short informational videos on proper form and more on why it works: http://ow.ly/T2y2x.

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 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 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: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]