If you live, work, or recreate in downtown Campbell River, participate in the upcoming community emergency exercise on October 19.
A major earthquake could happen on Vancouver Island at any moment and a potential John Hart Dam or Strathcona Dam failure exists until BC Hydro completes planned seismic upgrades. Downtown Campbell River is especially at risk, which makes this exercise important for anyone who frequents the downtown core.
Remember: if it knocks you down, go to high ground!
This exercise helps by:
- Assessing how long it takes you to get outside of the post-earthquake inundation (flooding) zone following a major earthquake. Can you get outside of the inundation zone within 30 to 60 minutes after the shaking stops?
- Allowing you to practice the real evacuation actions that you should take.
- Creating awareness about the geographic area of the post-earthquake inundation zone.
- Highlighting and sharing all possible evacuation routes.
“The Great Shake Out is a chance for you, your family, or your organization to lead by example, and practice earthquake safety,” says Stephanie Bremer, City of Campbell River Assistant Chief – Fire Dispatch/Emergency Management. “This self-guided community evacuation exercise allows you to practice your evacuation plan and helps promote safety for the whole community in the event of an emergency. With determination and preparation, we can weather any storm.”
How to Participate:
The City and the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) encourage everyone to participate. No pre-registration is required, just get involved on Thursday, October 19, 2023, starting in the inundation zone.
10:19 a.m. – Drop, Cover and Hold On for five minutes. After the “shaking” stops, count to 60 and then begin your evacuation immediately by getting safe and moving out of the area.
10:24 a.m. – Evacuate to your closest area outside of the inundation zone on foot or by bicycle (it is unlikely regular vehicles could navigate the roads after an earthquake due to extensive damage).
When you safely reach an area outside of the inundation zone, check to see how long it took you to evacuate your area.
Finally, return to your original location.
Enter the Contest to Win Prizes
Take a selfie at every stage of the exercise. Post them to Facebook or Instagram and tag @strathconaregionaldistrict and use the hashtag #ShakeOutThenGetOut2023, or email them to preparedness@srd.ca.
Everyone who submits their selfies, between October 19 and 23, 2023, will be entered to win one of several household emergency preparedness prizes, with a grand prize of a Household Wildfire Sprinkler Protection Kit!
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Contacts:
Stephanie Bremer, City of Campbell River Assistant Chief – Fire Dispatch/Emergency Management | 250-286-6266 | stephanie.bremer@campbellriver.ca
Shaun Koopman, Strathcona Regional District, Protective Services Coordinator | 250-830-6702 | skoopman@srd.ca
Backgrounder
- Why is ‘Shake Out Then Get Out’ Self-Guided this year?
The SRD’s Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer program is assisting Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations with their upcoming Earthquake Response Exercise this year. This gives the community of Campbell River a chance to test the skills learned in previous years and run through this exercise self-guided. By getting involved and adding selfies on social media, we hope to connect the whole community during this year’s Shake Out and Get Out evacuation exercise.
- Where would flooding occur and when should I evacuate?
In the event of a major earthquake or severe storm, some areas of Campbell River may be subject to flooding risk. Find information about emergency planning and evacuation areas at campbellriver.ca/emergencies.
SHAKE OUT THEN GET OUT - NEWS RELEASE - OCTOBER 2023