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!

By signing up for the ShakeOut, you or your organization will:

Alarm Bell
Be counted in the largest-ever earthquake drill in British Columbia!
Checklist
Be listed with other participants in your area (Optional)
Two people high fiving
Be an example that motivates others to participate & prepare
News
Be updated with ShakeOut news and preparedness tips
Smiling Face
Have peace of mind that you will be better prepared for our next big earthquake!

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 11,632
Cariboo 1
Kootenay 250
Lower Mainland 7,026
Nechako 1
North Coast 1
Northeast 0
Thompson Okanagan 491
Vancouver Island / Coast 3,802