Residents and business owners of the Comox Valley are invited to participate in the Shake Zone earthquake simulator to experience what an 8.0 magnitude earthquake feels like, and shake up their personal preparedness planning.
The portable simulator will be set up in Simms Millennium Park on Friday, June 3, from 1-7 p.m. In addition to the earthquake simulator, emergency responders as well as emergency preparedness and insurance displays will be onsite to help educate about best practices to be prepared and lower your risk.
The Comox Valley Emergency Program has partnered with the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), First Insurance and other emergency programs across the Island to bring the Shake Zone to various stops on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. The event is free to attend. Up to three people at a time will be able to take part in the simulator. Elected officials and school groups will take part between 1-2 p.m.
“IBC is pleased to have the opportunity to join and sponsor the Shake Zone tour. Preparing Canadians for an earthquake is a priority for Canada’s insurance industry,” said Bill Adams, vice-president, Western & Pacific, IBC. “More than 3,000 earthquakes occur in B.C. every year and luckily, very few cause damage. But at some point a big one will hit. It is not a matter of if, but when.”
“This is a great hands-on exercise for folks as they will be able to see and feel what happens when an 8.0 magnitude earthquake occurs,” said Comox Valley Emergency Program co-ordinator Howie Siemens. “This opportunity provides a fun and safe environment to learn how to plan ahead for a major earthquake, and a reminder to drop, cover and hold on.”
“Our region is at risk for this type of disaster, so it’s vital that citizens be prepared,” said First Insurance regional manager Janet Ehrman. “We recognize the importance of educational opportunities such as this to help ensure our residents are prepared for an earthquake, both physically and financially.”
Children must be a minimum of eight years old to participate. Those eight to 10 must participate with a legal guardian.
For more information about the Shake Zone, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/quake