ShakeOut BC earthquake drill

What is ShakeOut BC?

ShakeOut BC is an annual province-wide earthquake drill in October that allows all of us to practice the internationally-recognized “Drop, Cover, Hold on” procedures. It also gives us an opportunity to test our emergency alert communications tools.  

ShakeOut BC Earthquake Drill 2023  

Safety and emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play. We invite all members of the SFU community to participate in this year’s ShakeOutBC earthquake drill happening October 19, 2023, Thursday at 10:20 a.m.

To participate, just download the SFU Snap App and enable your push notifications to participate and receive notifications on emergency updates. Follow along with the recommended procedures to keep safe.   

ShakeOut BC drill details

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.
  • Have the ShakeOut BC video ready for 10:20 a.m. to follow along.

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

“Drop, cover, hold on” at 10:20 a.m.

Wherever you are at 10:20 a.m. practice "Drop, cover, hold on” procedures and follow along to the ShakeOut video. Encourage drill participation in your classrooms and/or work spaces.

After the drill

Explore our preparedness resources: