Practicing to be prepared: Earthquake drill set for Thursday morning
Published 6:00 pm Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Do you know what to do if the earth starts shaking?
The British Columbia Earthquake Alliance (BCEA) is organizing its annual province-wide earthquake drill, the Great BC ShakeOut, on Thursday morning to raise awareness of earthquake hazards in the province and encourage emergency preparedness.
White Rock Fire Rescue and municipal governments are encouraging all residents, businesses, organizations and community groups to participate in the Thursday, Oct. 15 drill, which is set to happen at 10:15 a.m.
“Preparedness starts before an emergency occurs, and the Great BC ShakeOut is a simple way for our community to practice how to respond safely during an earthquake,” said White Rock fire chief Brad Davie in a city release. “I encourage everyone to take part on October 15 and remember to ‘Drop, Cover and Hold On’ when the drill begins at 10:15 a.m.”
White Rock Fire Rescue urges everyone to follow these four key steps during ShakeOut and in the event of a real earthquake:
1. DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you).
2. Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table and protecting your head and neck.
3. HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
4. STAY THERE for at least 60 seconds, allowing unstable objects time to settle.
Residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to register at ShakeOut BC to be counted in the drill and access resources to help prepare for earthquakes and other emergencies.
For additional earthquake preparedness resources, including information on building an emergency kit or grab-and-go bag, visit PreparedBC.ca.