To mark Emergency Preparedness Week in B.C. (May 1-7), the Province reminds British Columbians to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in the event of an earthquake.

DROP down onto your hands and knees (before the earthquake knocks you down). This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary.

COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, only then should you get down near an interior wall (or next to low-lying furniture that will not fall on you), and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.

The main goal of "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is to protect you from falling and flying debris and other non-structural hazards, and to increase the chance of you ending up in a survivable void space if the building actually collapses.

Studies of injuries and deaths caused by earthquakes over the last several decades show that you are much more likely to be injured by falling or flying objects (TVs, lamps, glass, bookcases, etc.) than to die in a collapsed building.

Quick Facts:

* "Drop, Cover and Hold On" is recognized and supported by seismologists, engineers, governments, emergency management professionals and first response agencies throughout North America.

* The space under a sturdy table or desk is likely to remain even if the building collapses. Pictures from around the world show tables and desks standing with rubble all around them, and even holding up floors that have collapsed.

* Emergency Preparedness Week is an annual event that runs during the first full week in May and is co-ordinated by Public Safety Canada, in close collaboration with the provinces and territories.

* Activities are organized across Canada to raise awareness of the importance of having an emergency kit, making an emergency plan, and identifying risks in the region to help prepare Canadians for all types of emergencies.

Learn More:

* To learn more about how you can be prepared for a disaster, visit the Emergency Management BC website at www.pep.bc.ca and the Public Safety Canada website at: www.getprepared.gc.ca

* For more information on emergency social services including how to volunteer in your community, visit: www.ess.bc.ca

Contact:

Media Relations

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

250 356-6961

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect