BC holds largest earthquake drill in Canada

British Columbia is holding the largest earthquake drill ever to take place in Canada, with more than 400,000 participating on Jan. 26.

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut is being held across the province. Nearly 500,000 people will participate in their homes, schools, businesses and government offices.

The drill is designed to educate people about how to be prepared and how to protect themselves during an earthquake, an Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) release says.

“We’re pleased to sponsor this important initiative and to promote earthquake awareness to British Columbians,” said Serge Corbeil, IBC’s government relations manager for B.C., Saskatchewan and Manitoba. “IBC understands the risks of earthquakes and this sponsorship is part of its consumer outreach programs.”