Local emergency plan-ners want residents, businesses and organizations to shake things up this week.
The annual Great British Columbia Shake Out province-wide earthquake drill is scheduled for Thursday.
At 10: 20 a.m., all residents, agencies, businesses and organizations in South Delta and across B.C. are encouraged to "Drop, Cover and Hold On" in the largest earthquake drill in Canadian history.
In the event of an earthquake, people are encouraged to drop to the ground, take cover and hold on until the shaking stops. In the case of Thursday's drill, organizers recommend taking cover for 60 seconds.
Delta deputy fire chief Michel Latendresse, Delta's emergency program co-ordinator, said the drill is aimed at bringing awareness to the risk of earthquakes in the area and to get people thinking about being prepared.
"We encourage people to have a plan," Latendresse said.
People should make sure to have three days' worth of food and water, as well as a plan for pets and all family members, including how to get home or to a meeting place from work or school in the event of an emergency, and how to deal with minor injuries and look for gas or water leaks and to turn off utilities if necessary.
"If you're prepared for an earthquake, you're pretty much prepared for anything," Latendresse said, adding people who are prepared typically recover more quickly after a disaster.
The Corporation of Delta, Delta's fire and police departments, as well as some schools have all committed to taking part in the drill.
Local businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to register through www.shakeoutbc. ca and then drop, cover and hold on Thursday.
For more information about the Great British Columbia Shake Out and earthquake preparedness, visit www.shakeoutbc.ca, the Corporation of Delta website at www.corp.delta. bc.ca or call Delta's emergency program office at 604-952-3101.
