Skip to content

Victoria prepares for the return of ShakeOut earthquake drills

‘Victoria has a one in three probability of a damaging earthquake in the next 50 years’
web1_shakeout-
Saanich Emergency Program staff practise earthquake safety as ShakeOut approaches. (Saanich Fire Department photo)

The City of Victoria is encouraging households, schools, businesses and organizations to “drop, cover and hold on,” they said in a statement to prepare residents for an earthquake emergency.

For two minutes on Oct. 19, Victoria will be joining people around the world during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills.

“Victoria has a one in three probability of a damaging earthquake in the next 50 years and we need to be prepared,” said the city. “The Great British Columbia ShakeOut is an annual opportunity to practise how to be safer during big earthquakes.”

The city is also encouraging residents to register for the free VictoriaReady Emergency Preparedness Workshop. The workshop teaches participants how to prepare for emergencies, make a plan, get a kit together and connect with neighbours.

To participate in the annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills, the online sign-up is at shakeoutbc.ca.

At the new Victoria fire department headquarters at 1025 Johnson St. on Oct. 26 and Nov. 23 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the VictoriaReady Emergency Preparedness Workshop will be held. You can register for the workshops at Victoria.ca

To stay up to date on major emergencies in Victoria, the city encourages Victorians to sign up for Vic-Alert which is Victoria’s emergency notification service. The service will notify those signed up by phone calls, text messages, or emails.

ALSO READ: Magnitude 4.1 quake shakes west northern B.C. island



About the Author: Ella Matte

Read more



Pop-up banner image