If you’re in British Columbia on Thursday morning, October 15, there’s a good reason to get down on the ground at exactly 10:15 a.m.
The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, Canada’s largest earthquake drill, returns for another year, inviting residents across the province to practise what to do when an earthquake strikes.
Nearly 800,000 people in British Columbia have registered to participate, joining millions of others around the world in practising a simple but potentially lifesaving response.
Organized by the BC Earthquake Alliance Society (BCEA), the annual exercise has been held since 2011.
This year’s focus is on the fundamentals of earthquake preparedness, particularly the actions people should take immediately when they feel shaking or receive an earthquake alert.
What Happens at 10:15 a.m.?
On Thursday, October 15, participants are encouraged to stop what they’re doing and practise three basic earthquake safety steps:
- Drop: Get down on your hands and knees before shaking knocks you over.
- Cover: Take shelter under a sturdy desk or table, protecting your head and neck.
- Hold On: Stay under cover and hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops.
The exercise should last at least 60 seconds, giving participants an opportunity to practise the response rather than simply read about it.
It’s also a chance to look around your home, classroom or workplace and consider what might fall, break or block an exit during a real earthquake.
Why Practising Matters
Earthquakes can happen with very little warning.
Even Canada’s national Earthquake Early Warning system may provide only seconds to tens of seconds of advance notice, making a quick response especially important.
“By participating, you, your family, your co-workers and millions of others will be better prepared to survive and recover quickly following an earthquake,” said Erin Stockill, Vice President of BCEA.
How to Participate in the BC ShakeOut
There’s no need to travel to a designated location. The drill can be completed at home, school, work or even during a video call with friends or colleagues.
Organizers will not host a central in-person event this year.
- Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Time: 10:15 a.m. Pacific Time
- Location: Anywhere in British Columbia
- Cost: Free
- Registration: ShakeOutBC.ca
Participants can also download free drill recordings and preparedness resources from the official website.