Wednesday August 19, 2020 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary Brooke, editor | Island Social Trends
Most people’s concerns about health and safety this year have been focussed on the infection pandemic brought upon the world by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (aka COVID-19).
But life goes on. This week the organization that provides public education about preparing for earthquakes started to get their messaging out there for the annual ShakeOut training exercise. That comes up in October each year.
This year — as every year — ShakeOut BC comes in the middle of flu season. But in 2020 that’s probably also what will be the second wave of COVID-19 infection in BC. Things will be different in homes, schools and workplaces, due to physical distancing, and this could impact how people practice their Drop, Cover, and Hold On exercise.
Work environments are changing:
“There has been a lot of uncertainty over the past few months due to COVID-19,” said the Shakeout folks in an email to last year’s participants.
“Work environments are adapting and changing. Schools, colleges, and universities are considering how to operate this fall. While we are confronting these new challenges, earthquakes are still happening. One thing’s for sure: ShakeOut is still happening.”
Include earthquake practice in your routine:
You can and should still practice how to be safe when the earth shakes, especially as your situation changes.
Your ShakeOut activity may look different this year, but there has always been flexibility in how and when you hold your drill. This could mean you have drill on another day than this year’s International ShakeOut Day, October 15, or (for groups) across multiple days.
Some new considerations:
- Where will your team or class be for your drill? Together, or in multiple locations?
- How will you incorporate COVID-19 health and safety guidelines?
- Is it better to have everyone participate all at once, or perhaps in staggered (or even repeated) dates and times?
Registering for Shakeout BC:
So far there are 20,000 people registered to take part in Shakeout BC. Last year the tally was 1 million people who took part. Visit the ShakeOut BC website to register.
Of course you can practice your earthquake response and preparation review anytime. But registering for the ShakeOut event puts you in contact with others who are preparing. Emails are sent out to registrants.
===== Links:
ShakeOut BC – main website | This year’s exercise on October 15, 2020 at 10:15 am
Juan de Fuca Emergency Program – Facebook page | Twitter @jdfemerg