BC is the most seismically active area of Canada, and experiences thousands of minor earthquakes per year!

Risk in B.C.

While potential earthquake hazards depend on your location, everywhere in British Columbia is considered at high risk in relation to the rest of Canada. For example, on January 26, 1700, a magnitude 9 earthquake (similar to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake off the coast of Japan) shook the entire province as well as Washington, Oregon, and California, and generated a massive tsunami.

Why “Shake Out”?

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, organized by the British Columbia Earthquake Alliance (BCEA), is an annual opportunity for individuals, communities, schools, and organizations to practice essential earthquake safety measures such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Beyond the drill, participants are encouraged to critically review and update their emergency preparedness plans and supplies, while also taking proactive measures to secure their spaces and prevent potential damage and injuries.

The BC Earthquake Alliance (BCEA) is a not-for-profit society whose mission is to build a culture of earthquake and tsunami preparedness. For more information about the BC Earthquake Alliance, please visit bcearthquakealliance.ca.

Drop! Cover! Hold on!

Be Prepared For The Next One: Sign Up!

Sign up for the Great BC ShakeOut, and you, your family, and/or organization will:

News
Receive timely ShakeOut news, resources for your drill, and preparedness tips throughout the year
Checklist
Get expert guidance on how to protect yourself during an earthquake
Manual and guide pamphlets
Build muscle memory by practising the Drop, Cover, and Hold On exercise (with close to a million other British Columbians!)
Smiling Face
Have the peace of mind that you will be better prepared for an earthquake and much more.
Two people high fiving
Be part of the largest-ever earthquake drill in British Columbia!
Do you know what to do in an earthquake? Click here.

Participate in the Great ShakeOut

Over 56.4 Million Participants Worldwide
Participants in BC Last Year:725 Thousand
Map with clickable regions of British Columbia
Who's Participating? Click on a region on the map of BC to see the region specific participation tally.
2 Days Until the 2024 ShakeOut
Current BC Wide Total 639,602
Cariboo 1,885
Kootenay 2,907
Lower Mainland 491,134
Nechako 741
North Coast 2,700
Northeast 327
Thompson Okanagan 7,993
Vancouver Island / Coast 81,557