ShakeOut BC highlights how cities are preparing for the big one

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Cities across the province are highlighting how they are preparing for earthquakes as the province’s annual ShakeOut day reminds everyone to be ready for the big one.

Vancouver firefighters, search and rescue crews and city engineers are taking part in a 12-day collapsed structures exercise that covers everything from stabilizing rubble to searching for missing people and cutting through concrete.

Vancouver Fire Chief Darrell Reid says while the city has ongoing programs to upgrade roads, bridges, water pipes and the aging viaducts, there is lots the average person can do to help the city prepare and act during and after an earthquake.

“We want you to drop, cover and hold on and stay away from damaged buildings, be very wary and anticipate the possibility of aftershocks,” Reid said. “Keep your phone calls short and use alternate forms of communication if possible. The system is going to be under incredible demand following a disaster.”

He adds local communities and neighbourhoods should also create their own plans in case the city can’t reach them right away.

The city says its biggest concern is an earthquake knocking out power, water and collapsing major roadways, so infrastructure is constantly being upgraded and staff are being trained.

“We’re doing this to build resiliency in the community, in the province, and in the country. We can all take a part of that by being resilient ourselves, but worst case scenario, when we need to have somebody rescued — that’s what we’re here for,” explains Scott Morrison with VFRS.

“Our volunteers have invested over 7,000 hours of their time. We’re also launching a program in partnership with a number of neighbourhood organizations to really focus on neighbourhood resilience,” Deputy City Manager Paul Mochrie said.

British Columbians are encouraged to have an emergency kit ready at all time that includes flashlights, extra batteries, radios, whistles and dusk masks.