On October 19th, we were very pleased to host two ‘model events’ that took place simultaneously at KELSET Elementary School (www.youtube.com/@bcearthquakealliance).

and with support of IBC and University of the Fraser Valley, we kicked off the Earthquake Preparedness Tour with the Quake Cottage.  Thank you for the invitations. We were pleased to visit a number of communities including Surrey, Port Alberni, Tsechaht Nation, Vancouver,  Burnaby, Saanich, and West Vancouver in and near ShakeOut Week.  The ShakeOut Planning Committee was pleased to host the Ask an Expert webinar on the evening of ShakeOut.  Model ShakeOut drills and recordings of webinars are available from www.youtube.com/@shakeoutbc4152/videos 

We were grateful for strong provincial, local and media coverage to help spread important messaging about earthquake and emergency preparedness.  A special thank you to the radio stations that interrupted regular programming to guide British Columbians through the drill: https://www.shakeoutbc.ca/participant-map/radio-tv-drill-broadcasters/.  Each year we hear from individuals and organizations about how valuable this is.

We are grateful to the ShakeOut BC Planning Committee for their efforts this past year and we look forward to the debrief later this month.  

Thank you to everyone who has shared their drill via social media or email.  We saw record breaking traffic on social media this year.  Anyone who missed the drill is still encouraged to sign up online to record their drill, or to commit to completing their drill before year end at www.shakeoutbc.ca.  Certificates are now available for download.

Upcoming events:

Virtual Community of Practice starts on November 28th: These 45-60 minute sessions are designed to connect groups/organizations that have a shared interest in earthquake and tsunami preparedness to share experiences, resources, and questions in a safe space. It is also an opportunity to share, brainstorm, and hear about what other organizations are doing.  Input from these sessions may guide future education sessions.  To register: https://bcearthquakealliance.ca/event/bcea-virtual-community-of-practice-earthquake-and-tsunami-preparedness/

Tsunami Preparedness Week is the first full week in April (April 7-13, 2024). In 2023, we were excited to be able to participate in High Ground Hike events in Tofino, Ucluelet, Toquaht Nation, and Pacheedaht Nation.   Please reach out if you are interested in collaborating in 2024.  We will host another virtual gathering of interested organizations this fall to explore how we can work together to increase the culture of tsunami preparedness.

BCEA members are helping us expand.  Thank you to our members who are adding strength to our work.  This includes planning for a new regional project in the Interior.  For more information about membership, please visit this link:  https://forms.gle/HjWRmmAmzRquDHHS6

Our board, committees and ShakeOut are always looking for new volunteers to assist.  Please reach out if you would like to explore the available opportunities. 

A big thank you to our volunteers and all of you for the work you do to help us grow a culture of earthquake, tsunami and emergency preparedness and resilience in BC. 

And of course, we are immensely grateful to our sponsors and partners for their ongoing support this year:  www.shakeoutbc.ca/partners-sponsors/