Kalpana Sharma
Community Comes Together for Major Earthquake Drill in 100 Mile House
When the earth shakes, are you ready? That’s the question residents of 100 Mile House will grapple with as they prepare for a significant earthquake drill on October 20. The Great ShakeOut event, organized by the 100 Mile House and District Emergency Support Services (ESS), is a chance for the community to learn crucial safety measures in the event of a quake.
Drill Details and Activities
The earthquake drill is set to take place at the 100 Mile House Community Hall from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ESS director Liz Jones emphasized that hosting the drill on a weekend allows more people to participate. “It’s a bit of a competition between towns in B.C., and so we have done this in the past at various locations,” she said, recalling past events held at the hockey rink and on the street.
Participants will learn essential techniques, including how to drop, cover, and hold during an earthquake. They will be advised to find shelter under sturdy furniture like desks to protect themselves from falling debris.
Family-Friendly Approach
The event will cater to everyone. Jones explained that the community hall will have a theater section for individuals with mobility challenges, a children’s section for students, and an area for the general public. This ensures that all community members can participate and learn.
Children will also have fun through engaging activities. A spin wheel featuring safety-related questions will excite younger attendees. “They get really excited about knowing the answer and sharing their experiences,” Jones noted.
Earthquake Risk in British Columbia
British Columbia is known to be a high-risk region for earthquakes compared to the rest of Canada. The 1700 Cascadia earthquake, which struck on January 26 of that year, is a historical reminder of this threat. This significant earthquake, estimated to have a magnitude between 8.7 and 9.2, not only impacted B.C. but also the neighboring U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, and California.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone, responsible for this quake, remains active. Experts believe that a similar event could occur within the next 50 years. Although 100 Mile House itself is not at direct risk from earthquakes, many community members travel through high-risk areas, making this training vital.
Preparedness Beyond Local Borders
Jones expressed the importance of preparedness, saying, “Many people travel to earthquake areas: Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Japan — anywhere where there are fissures in the Earth. We want you to be safe wherever you are.” This proactive approach helps equip community members with the knowledge to stay safe not only at home but while traveling as well.
Participation and Engagement
Community engagement is a critical aspect of the Great ShakeOut. Participants unable to attend in person can still register online, making it easy for families or individual groups to be involved. This accessibility ensures that everyone in 100 Mile House has the opportunity to learn and practice important safety measures.
Key Features of the Event:
- Date: October 20, 2023
- Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: 100 Mile House Community Hall
- Activities: Drop, cover, and hold drills; safety games; designated sections for families and those with mobility challenges
- Registration: Available online for those unable to attend in person
An Ongoing Commitment to Safety
As the community gears up for the earthquake drill, it highlights the importance of preparedness in a province known for its geological activity. The effort to train individuals on what to do during an earthquake can not only save lives but also foster a sense of community resilience.
The Great ShakeOut serves as an important reminder that being informed and prepared is crucial in facing natural disasters. Through engaging events and educational practices, residents of 100 Mile House can be confident that they are ready to respond should the shaking begin.
the Great ShakeOut not only educates participants about earthquake safety but also strengthens community ties. With a proactive mindset and essential skills, the residents of 100 Mile House will be better prepared for any seismic surprises in the future
