Minor temblor a reminder to be prepared
Many residents around Saanich had a rude awakening this morning when they were shaken out of bed by a minor earthquake around 4 a.m. Measuring 3.8 according to Earthquake Canada, the quake was centred 54 kilometres under the ground near Sidney, BC.
Residents who are registered with the app reported receiving an Alertable notification, but not until well after the event.
This year, the Great British Columbia ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. This event is an annual opportunity for individuals, families and schools to practice the steps of 'Drop, Cover and Hold On'.
Organizers say the goal is to train people to respond quickly and safely when they feel shaking or receive an earthquake early warning alert via phones or social media.
To mark the day here in the village, Emergency Support Services (ESS) manager Mary Brown is planning to stage 'A Great Lions Bay Water Giveaway'. In conjunction with Lions Bay Store, ESS will be giving away an entire pallet of four litre water bottles at no cost to residents.
"The earthquake woke me this morning," said Brown, noting that her dresser drawers rattled. "I lay awake afterwards thinking, 'What if, what if'..."
Find out more about volunteering for Lions Bay ESS HERE.
Families can get help making an earthquake plan from the province of BC, and more tips for preparing your house and family for earthquakes can be found HERE.
This is the first in a series of earthquake preparedness articles in The Watershed in the lead-up to the Great BC ShakeOut event. Did YOU feel the quake? Leave your comments below, or email us at editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca
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