October 17th, 10:17 am: The Great BC ShakeOut

When I was in elementary school, I remember we had "earthquake dots." These dots were the direction we were supposed to orient ourselves during "drop, cover, and hold on" drills. These drills happened when there was peak knowledge that BC was due for "the big one." I remember a BCTV special from the 1990s on what life would be like during and after "the big one" hits. While these drills might have gone out of fashion, and we don't talk about "the big one" as much, earthquakes are very much a part of life in BC, and we are still due for "the big one."

On October 17th at 10:17 am, thousands of British Columbians, including Langley City staff, will participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills.

You can also join in by visiting the ShakeOut website. You can sign up and download resources to help you with your own drill, whether at home or your workplace.

It is also an excellent time to remind people to check the state of their emergency kit and grab-and-go bag. If you don't have an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag, please check out PreparedBC for more information on how to build your own.

When "the big one" hits, will you and your family be ready?