CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. — The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is calling on residents across Vancouver Island’s northern communities to take part in the upcoming Great BC ShakeOut, a provincewide earthquake preparedness drill scheduled for October 16 at 10:16 a.m.
The annual exercise encourages individuals, businesses, schools and community groups to practice the simple but potentially life-saving actions of “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in the event of a major earthquake.
“The Great BC ShakeOut isn’t just about dropping, covering, and holding on for a few minutes,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “It’s a reminder for all of us—families, schools, workplaces, and communities—to take a real look at how prepared we are. After the drill, check your emergency kit, update your plan, and make sure your home or office is safe from things that could fall or break in an earthquake. A few small actions today can make a big difference when the ground starts to shake.”
Simple Steps to Take Part
Participation in ShakeOutBC is open to anyone, and organizers have outlined three key steps for individuals and groups who want to be involved.
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Register at www.shakeoutbc.ca to be counted, receive updates, and access resources.
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Conduct a Drop, Cover and Hold On drill at 10:16 a.m. on October 16.
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For communities located in areas at risk of flooding after a major earthquake—such as Gold River Waterfront, Downtown Campbell River, Ehatis, Esperanza, Fair Harbour, Kyuquot, Oclucje, Tahsis, Yuquot or Zeballos—residents are encouraged to include a post-earthquake evacuation as part of the drill.
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After the exercise, discuss lessons learned and update household or workplace emergency plans.
The SRD emphasizes that the ShakeOut is not simply a drill but an opportunity for residents to strengthen long-term preparedness strategies.
Expanded Training and Community Programs
This year, the regional district is supplementing the ShakeOut with a series of community workshops and free first aid certification courses. These events are designed to equip residents with the practical skills needed to respond effectively during and after an earthquake.
Among the offerings:
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Tahsis, Oclucje, Tasis and Zeballos/Ehatis will host tsunami evacuation workshops between October 14 and 15.
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Black Creek/Oyster River will hold an Earthquake First Aid session on October 16.
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Campbell River will feature a Disaster Communications Tour on the same day.
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Cortes Island, Gold River and Sayward will see sessions focused on disaster communications and intermediate first aid between October 18 and 19.
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Quadra Island will host a presentation on earthquakes in southwest B.C. on October 23.
For events requiring registration, participants are advised to contact Shaun Koopman, SRD’s Manager of Emergency Services, at 250-830-6702 or by email at [email protected].
Raising Awareness in a High-Risk Region
British Columbia is located along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, one of the most seismically active areas in North America. Experts have long warned of the possibility of a major earthquake striking the region, underscoring the importance of public awareness campaigns like ShakeOutBC.
The SRD’s approach combines hands-on training, community engagement and online resources to promote readiness at multiple levels. The district has also highlighted the role of households in ensuring resilience during emergencies.
“When building your household earthquake plan, take time to think through the specific needs of your family and home,” the SRD advised in its announcement. “You’ll find additional resources, toolkits, and planning guides at www.srd.ca/household-community-preparedness.”
Business and Community Implications
Beyond individual preparedness, the ShakeOut exercise has implications for local businesses and institutions. Offices, schools and service providers are encouraged to use the October 16 drill to test communication systems, review continuity plans, and identify vulnerabilities in facilities.
Public safety experts note that proactive planning can minimize economic disruption in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Training employees, ensuring backup systems are in place, and coordinating with local emergency services are among the measures that businesses can incorporate alongside household planning.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to the Great BC ShakeOut continues, officials are stressing that readiness is not a one-time exercise but an ongoing commitment. The SRD’s program of workshops, training and community outreach is part of a broader effort to ensure that when the next earthquake occurs, residents and institutions alike are equipped to respond.
For more information on emergency preparedness in the Strathcona region, residents can visit www.srd.ca/emergency-preparedness.
