LOCAL

ShakeOut BC: Province-Wide Earthquake Drill Tests Readiness Across Communities

Published

1 year ago

on

Thousands of British Columbians will pause their routines this week for the annual Great British Columbia ShakeOut, a province-wide earthquake drill designed to test how prepared residents are for a major seismic event.

At exactly 10:16 a.m. on October 16, schools, businesses, and households across B.C. will practice the familiar “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” routine — simulating the actions people should take in the first seconds of an earthquake. The exercise, which began in California more than a decade ago, has become a key fixture in B.C.’s public safety calendar, especially important in a province along the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Preparedness Saves Lives

Emergency officials say the ShakeOut drill is about more than just practice — it’s a reminder that earthquake preparedness saves lives. Despite ongoing warnings from scientists, many households still lack emergency supplies or family communication plans.

  • Review and refresh home emergency kits.
  • Know your local community alert systems.
  • Plan evacuation and communication strategies with family members.

Strengthening Provincial Readiness

Experts emphasize that large-scale readiness depends on coordination between governments, first responders, and essential service providers. The province has made progress with emergency management systems, public alert networks, and seismic retrofitting — though challenges persist, especially in rural areas.

As sirens sound across the province, this collective effort aims to move B.C. one step closer to true earthquake resilience. The ShakeOut is more than a drill; it’s a reminder that preparedness today can save lives tomorrow.

— News Desk, West Coast Current

 


Related Topics:
Continue Reading

LOCAL

Community Safety Highlighted After Gunshots Hit Fort St. John Home

Fort St. John RCMP are investigating after gunshots struck a home on Saturday. Police confirm no injuries were reported in the residential incident.

Published

2 days ago

on

October 25, 2026

By

RCMP Respond to Shooting in Residential Area

An investigation is underway in Fort St. John, B.C., after a local home was struck by gunfire on Saturday.

RCMP officers were dispatched to the neighborhood following multiple public reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police confirmed that a residence had been hit several times.

Police Warn of Danger to Neighbourhood

No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire. However, law enforcement officials emphasized the severe potential risks associated with the incident.

“Cpl. Brett Urano says it was fortunate no one was injured, but the potential for a tragic outcome can’t be understated,” police stated. Officials added that discharging firearms in a residential area puts innocent individuals and families at serious risk.

Continue Reading

LOCAL

Suspect Arrested in North Kelowna Hit-and-Run After Multi-Unit RCMP Search

Kelowna and Lake Country RCMP arrested a hit-and-run suspect after a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake on Oct. 24. No injuries reported.

Published

2 days ago

on

October 25, 2026

By

Hit-and-Run Incident Causes Traffic Delay on Highway 97

A driver attempting to flee on foot following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake was taken into custody by police on Saturday, Oct. 24. The collision in North Kelowna resulted in traffic slowing to a crawl while emergency responders managed the scene.

Extensive Police Response Leads to Arrest

Witnesses contacted authorities after observing the driver of a black sedan abandon the vehicle and run into a nearby green space. Multiple law enforcement teams were dispatched to track down the fleeing suspect, including the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit, the Kelowna RCMP Gang Enforcement Team, frontline officers, Lake Country RCMP, Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services.

According to Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang, officers located and arrested the suspected driver close to the crash site shortly after the search began.

Police Investigation Ongoing

Authorities reported that no injuries occurred as a result of the collision. “Investigators believe alcohol and speed were factors in the collision,” Lang stated.

Continue Reading

HEALTH

Coquihalla Highway Reopens Near Merritt Following Morning Crash That Injured Four

The Coquihalla Highway north of Merritt has reopened following a Saturday morning vehicle crash that resulted in four people being taken to the hospital.

Published

6 days ago

on

October 21, 2026

By

Traffic Resumes Following Serious Morning Incident

Four people were hospitalized, including three in critical condition, after a motor vehicle incident occurred north of Merritt on Saturday morning, October 17.

DriveBC reported that the Coquihalla Highway was reopened in both directions from Exit 290 to Exit 315 at approximately 4:00 p.m., following the earlier closure.

Emergency Responders Deploy Air Ambulances

BC Emergency Health Services dispatched multiple resources after receiving a call at approximately 8:35 a.m. The response included two air ambulances, three primary care paramedic ambulances, one advanced care paramedic ambulance, and a paramedic supervisor.

According to BCEHS, crews provided emergency medical care at the scene. Two of the three critically injured patients were flown to the hospital via air ambulance, while a fourth patient was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Continue Reading

Trending