Community members felt a 4.0-magnitude earthquake shaking the Peninsula at 4:05 a.m. today
Around 4,000 earthquakes are recorded in BC each year. While most are too small to be felt, preparing for a big one is critical. The 4.0-magnitude earthquake early this morning woke some Central Saanich residents and serves as an important reminder to get prepared.
Central Saanich’s Emergency Program is hosting a workshop about emergency preparedness on Tuesday, October 15, with a focus on earthquakes.
The Victoria area has a 32 per cent possibility of a damaging earthquake within the next 50 years. We’re inviting our residents and businesses to come learn about how prepared they may already be, and where there are some key gaps they can address in easy ways.
The free workshop will offer small steps you can take to be more prepared, including:
- How to help children and pets in an emergency
- What to include in your emergency plan
- What supplies to gather in your grab-and-go-bag, home and vehicles
- Where to get information during an emergency
- How to prepare together with your neighbours
Preparing for a major earthquake can translate to being ready for other emergencies, like evacuations due to wildfires, floods and even gas leaks.
In addition to earthquakes, the workshop will cover other emergency preparedness—including how to protect your home or business ahead of wildfire season.
Refreshments will be provided and residents will leave knowing how to develop their emergency plan with useful take-home materials.
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Central Saanich Fire Station 1 (1512 Keating Cross Road)
Registration is required and there is space for 50 people in this first workshop.
Schools, businesses, and homes are also encouraged to take part in the annual Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill at 10:17 a.m. on Thursday, October 17. This important drill takes just a few minutes and gives people the chance to practice what to do when a major earthquake strikes, when every second is important.
To stay informed in an emergency, Peninsula residents are encouraged to register for the Saanich Peninsula Alert System. Important messages are delivered to your landline, cell phone, email or text.
More information: Learn more and reserve your workshop spot at CSaanich.ca/GetPrepared. Central Saanich residents can also register by calling 250.544.4238 or emailing EmergencyProgram@csaanich.ca.
Find out more about the Great ShakeOut Earthquake drill and sign up at shakeoutbc.ca.