Located in an earthquake prone region, BC experiences over one thousand minor earthquakes each year. As health care professionals, we need to be aware of the impact a major earthquake could have on the people we serve and the demand for health services. Preparing today can help with a faster recovery and limit the devastating effects of major seismic activity.

Drop, cover and hold on

The Great BC ShakeOut, an annual earthquake preparedness drill, takes place Thursday, October 20 at 10:20 a.m. At this time, people across the province will ‘drop, cover and hold on’ for two minutes; the time it takes for the shaking to stop during an earthquake.

If you are not engaged in a critical function involving direct patient care, at 10:20 a.m. drop to the ground, take cover under a table or desk and hold on as if a real earthquake was occurring.

While taking cover, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall? What would be damaged? What steps can be taken to make your environment safer? Consider what to do after the shaking stops.

In direct patient care areas, it may not be feasible to perform the ‘drop, cover and hold on’ drill. Instead, use the two minutes at 10:20 a.m. to do a quick safety huddle to discuss earthquake response or walk around to identify objects that may fall during an earthquake.

Get prepared at home

Your colleagues at Health Emergency Management (HEMBC) encourage you to also consider your home and family preparedness:

• Develop a simple plan for you and your family and discuss it so they all know what to do if an earthquake happens
• Buy or put together supplies for an emergency kit with enough food, water and medication to last 72 hours (per person and pets)
• Know your neighbourhood/city emergency plans; look at your municipality’s website for links about emergency service information

The Great BC ShakeOut is an opportunity for everyone to become aware of the safety measures to take during an earthquake and practice them along with their family members or colleagues.

Save on family preparedness kits

Want to take your personal emergency preparedness to the next level? All staff can save 15 per cent on personal and family preparedness kits as part of a limited time offer.

Learn more

You can also visit emergency management at VCH to learn more about emergency preparedness at work and at home.

Visit www.ShakeOutBC.ca to learn more about earthquake safety and to register your personal commitment.