ShakeOutBC


What is the Great British Columbia ShakeOut?

Shakeout BC is an annual province-wide earthquake drill. The drill occurs on the third Thursday of October. It is an important drill in our region and allows us to practice the important earthquake response, "Drop, Cover, Hold On".

ShakeOut 2025

All VIU Campuses and sites will participate in the drill on October 16, 2025 from 9:45 am to 10:05 am.

Shakeout date image

The Drill

  • The Earthquake Drill will include a test of VIU’s Emergency Messaging systems.
  • Emergency messaging systems will announce the beginning of the drill, initiating the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” response.
  • Campus-wide building evacuations will follow with the assistance of faculty and department Emergency Wardens.
  • The drills conclude with an “All Clear Notice” from the Emergency Messaging systems at or before 10:05 am.

Get Ready

Alerts will be communicated through VIU's Emergency Messaging systems.

  • Download the VIU Safety App. 
  • Refresh the Safety App monthly to keep it up to date.
  • Review emergency procedures.
  • Plan how you will “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in your various work or study areas.

  • Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a desk, table, interior wall or corner.
  • Wait 60 seconds after the shaking stops.
  • Evacuate the building and go to your building evacuation point.
  • Review ShakeOut BC resources for Post Secondary Institutions. 
  • Find a clear spot away from buildings and overhead hazards such as trees and lights.
  • Drop, Cover and Hold On.
  • Wait 60 seconds after the shaking stops.
  • Go to your building evacuation point.
  • If you are in a car, pull over in a clear location. Avoid parking near overpasses, power lines, bridges and buildings. Put the car in park and set the brake and stay inside.
  • If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside and call 911.
  • If you are on a bus, stay seated until the bus stops. Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay inside if it is safe. 
  • Think ahead and make a plan.
  • If you can’t “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” practice what you will do in advance.
  • If you are able, individuals using walkers and wheelchairs can “Lock, Cover and Hold On” while staying seated.
  • Review the ShakeOut BC resources for people with disabilities.