ShakeOut BC earthquake drill

Thursday, October 21, 2021 - 10:21am

Safety and emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. Each of us has a role to play. 

Whether you’re at home or on campus, we encourage you to join SFU in the annual Great BC ShakeOut earthquake drill on October 21st at 10:21am.

What is ShakeOut BC?

The Great BC ShakeOut is an annual province-wide earthquake drill that provides each of us a valuable opportunity to practice the internationally recognized “Drop, Cover, Hold on” procedures. It also gives us an opportunity to test our emergency alert communications tools. 

1) Pre-drill

  • Download the SFU snap app and enable push notifications to receive a drill notification. Other SFU Alerts channels will also be tested including digital screens and Alertus notifications on SFU-managed devices.
  • Review earthquake emergency procedures prior to the drill.

Inside &
     in class

  • Drop, cover, and hold on under a desk, table, interior wall or corner
  • Wait 60 seconds after the shaking stops
  • Proceed to the designated assembly area

Outside

  • Stay outside
  • Move to an open area away from buildings, glass and power lines
  • Do not enter any buildings until they have been approved for re-entry

In transit

  • In a car - Pull over. Avoid overhead structures (i.e. bridges and overpasses). Set the parking brake and stay inside.
  • On a bus - Stay seated until the bus stops. Drop, cover and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay inside if it is safe.

Mobility
     challenges

  • If you can, follow the drop, cover, hold-on procedure
  • If you are in a wheel chair, move to an inner wall if safe to do so.  Lock the brakes and cover your head with your arms
  • If available use a blanket or pillow to shield your face from falling debris/glass
  • When the shaking stops move to refuge areas

2) “Drop, cover, hold on” at 10:21am

Wherever you are at 10:21am practice "Drop, cover, hold on” procedures and follow along to the ShakeOut video. Encourage drill participation in your classrooms and/or work spaces.

3) ShakeOut at a distance

Show us your best “DROP, COVER, HOLD ON” @SFU 's social channels with the hashtag #SFUshakeout during the scheduled drill on October 21, 10:21am

4) Get prepared

Explore our preparedness resources: