Get Ready to ShakeOut: Practice Earthquake Safety on October 15

Residents, businesses, schools and organizations across Sooke are encouraged to take part in the Great British Columbia ShakeOut on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:15 a.m.

The annual province-wide exercise is an opportunity to practise what to do when an earthquake happens and to take a few minutes to review personal, household and workplace emergency preparedness.

At 10:15 a.m., participants are encouraged to practise Drop, Cover and Hold On for at least 60 seconds:

• Drop to your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down.
• Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, if one is nearby.
• Hold On to your shelter, or to your head and neck, until the shaking stops.

The exercise can be completed wherever you are — at home, at work, at school or in the community.

Use the drill as a preparedness check

The ShakeOut is also a reminder to consider what could happen before, during and after a significant earthquake.

Take a few minutes to:

• identify safe places to take cover at home and at work;
• secure heavy furniture and objects that could fall;
• check household and workplace emergency supplies;
• review how family members would reconnect if separated;
• consider the needs of children, older adults, pets and anyone who may require additional assistance; and
• become familiar with whether you live, work or spend time in a mapped tsunami area using the Regional Tsunami Information Map, and be prepared to move to higher ground following strong or prolonged shaking.

Everyone can participate

Individuals and families, businesses, schools, community organizations and government agencies can participate in the Great BC ShakeOut.

Mark your calendar for 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 15 — Drop, Cover and Hold On.

To learn more, register to participate and access earthquake preparedness resources, visit ShakeOutBC.ca.

Stay prepared and informed in Sooke

Preparedness continues beyond the ShakeOut drill.

Learn more about the District of Sooke Emergency Program, including how to prepare yourself, your household and your property for emergencies, at sooke.ca/prepare.

If you haven’t already, sign up for Sooke’s local public alert notification system at sooke.ca/alert to receive important emergency notifications and information when they are issued.

You can also explore the Capital Region Tsunami Information Portal to better understand tsunami information and mapped areas across the region.