News Release

For Immediate Release

Get ready to ShakeOut!

Saanich, BC – The Great British Columbia ShakeOut is less than two weeks away. As we lead up to this province-wide earthquake drill, Saanich is reminding residents to plan, prepare and participate.

As part of the ShakeOut drill on October 17, 2019, Saanich staff will practice ‘drop cover and hold on’ along with over 1 million other British Columbians at 10:17 a.m. Whether at home or at work – residents are encouraged to be prepared, have a plan and make a kit.

ShakeOut provides a great opportunity for Saanich residents to practice taking protective measures in an earthquake as well as update their household emergency plan and kit,” said Frank Macdonald, Deputy Fire Chief. “Whether it’s an earthquake, tsunami or other emergency event, having a plan and kit in place and being prepared improves one’s ability to stay safe and recover from an emergency quicker.”

“Saanich’s website, along with social media, are key communication channels during emergency situations,” said Macdonald. “We encourage residents to check out our emergency notification page demonstration on saanich.ca as part of ShakeOut on October 17.”

Quick facts:

• The District of Saanich showcases its emergency notification page on Saanich.ca twice per year: on ShakeOut Day this year on October 17 and during Emergency Preparedness Week in May.
• The page is enabled in the event of an emergency and provides residents with important information when accessing any Saanich web page.
• Check out our emergency notification page demonstration on saanich.ca as part of ShakeOut on October 17.

Learn more: 

• For more information or to register for ShakeOut BC, please visit: shakeoutbc.ca
  
• To view the emergency notification page during ShakeOut BC, please visit: saanich.ca  
• To learn more about emergency preparedness, presentations or volunteering with the Saanich Emergency Program, contact 250-475-7140.

Social media channels:  

• Follow Saanich Fire on Twitter: @SaanichFire
• Follow Saanich Emergency Program on Twitter: @SaanichEP

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Media Contact:
Frank Macdonald, Deputy Fire Chief
Saanich Fire Department
250-475-5503