Yukoners Drop, Cover and Hold On during ShakeOut earthquake drill

At 10:16 am on Thursday, October 16, Yukoners will participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill.

People across the globe will take part in the same drill, learning how to stay safe during an earthquake. 

Earthquakes can happen at any time of day or night, any time of year. Most of the land in the Yukon territory is in a medium- to high-risk zone for earthquakes.

During most earthquakes, you will reduce your chance of injury if you Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

• DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down by shaking and reduces your chance of being hit by falling or flying objects.
• COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall. Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.
• HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If you’re under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. If you have no shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands. 

If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations.

• If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
• If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
• If you use a walker or a wheelchair, adapt this drill. LOCK your wheels. Sitting on your walker or wheelchair, carefully bend over as low as possible. COVER your head and neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops. 

Thousands of Yukoners are already signed up to practise today. You can register to take part in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill as an individual, school or workplace at www.shakeout.org/yukon/.

After an earthquake, an emergency kit will help you be self-sufficient if the power is out, the supply chain is disrupted, or you can’t get to help.

Emergency preparedness is a joint effort and starts with every individual long before an emergency occurs. This week, take the time to learn more about earthquakes and take simple steps around your home to protect yourself and your family.

Visit PreparedYukon.ca for more information on how to prepare your emergency kit, and to learn how you and your family can get prepared for any emergency.