An earthquake of significant magnitude could occur on Vancouver Island at any time, potentially exceeding the capacity of our emergency response system to provide immediate assistance for an extended period. A potential risk of a dam failure at the John Hart Dam or Strathcona Dam following a significant earthquake exists until BC Hydro completes the seismic upgrades that are planned for completion by 2030.
To help the community be better prepared for this and other scenarios, the City of Campbell River and the Strathcona Regional District are sponsoring the 2024 ShakeOut Self-Guided Exercise and various First Aid and Radio certification courses.
SHAKE OUT SELF-GUIDED EXERCISE – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024
This event allows community members to follow the steps that they should be ready to take in the event of a significant earthquake. As downtown Campbell River is especially at risk, this exercise is important for anyone who frequents the downtown core. No pre-registration is required, just follow these steps.
10:17 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. If you are starting outside of the downtown flooding zone, you have completed the exercise.
10:24 a.m. – If you are starting in the downtown flooding zone, proceed to evacuate to your closest area outside of the flooding zone on foot or by bicycle (it is unlikely that regular vehicles could navigate the roads after an earthquake due to extensive damage).
When you safely reach an area outside of the flooding zone, check to see how long it took you to evacuate your area.
Enter the Contest to Win Prizes
Take a selfie at any stage of the exercise and post them to Facebook or Instagram, or email them to
preparedness@srd.ca. Tag @strathconaregionaldistrict and use the hashtag #ShakeOutThenGetOut2024.
Everyone who submits their selfies by 4 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, will be entered to win one of several household emergency preparedness prizes, with the grand prize being a Household Wildfire Sprinkler Protection Kit!
EARTHQUAKE FIRST AID AND BASIC AMATEUR (HAM) RADIO CERTIFICATION COURSES
Five free, hands-on ‘Earthquake First Aid’ sessions will be offered. These sessions will explore sling/splints, pressure bandages, tourniquets, wound care and moving an injured victim. They will prepare community members so that they are better able to care for their family members, friends and loved ones after a significant earthquake.
A Basic Amateur (Ham) Radio Certification course (26 hours) will be offered. Amateur radio brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radios to talk across town and around the world, all without the internet or cell phones. It is a lifeline during an emergency.
To register for the Earthquake First Aid or Ham Radio certification courses, please contact Shaun Koopman, the Manager of Emergency Services at Strathcona Regional District, at skoopman@srd.ca or 250-830-6702.
Learn more about the Great British Columbia ShakeOut at shakeoutbc.ca
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Contacts:
Stephanie Bremer, City of Campbell River Assistant Fire Chief – Fire Dispatch/Emergency Management | 250-286-6266 | stephanie.bremer@campbellriver.ca
Shaun Koopman, Strathcona Regional District, Manager of Emergency Services | 250-830-6702 | skoopman@srd.ca
View the City and SRD 2024 ShakeOut -Media Advisory.