Earthquakes and drill prompt uptick in emergency kit sales in B.C.

After a number of minor earthquakes rattled B.C.’s South Coast over the past few weeks — felt by many across the Lower Mainland — residents are getting yet another reminder that the region is a seismically active zone.

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut takes place at 10:17 a.m. Thursday, encouraging people to “drop, cover and hold on.”

It is part of a wider effort in countries around the world, with millions of people taking part in the annual earthquake drill.

The BC Earthquake Alliance says participants are also encouraged to critically review and update their emergency preparedness plans and supplies.

Stacey Friedman with SOS Emergency Response Technologies says that should include a 72-hour emergency kit — something more people are thinking about after the recent quakes.

“There have been three in the last few weeks and, as always when there’s a little bit of shaking going on, people will call our office a little more or email us a little bit more,” said Friedman, vice president of operations at the Richmond safety supply wholesaler.

“I think homeowners are a little bit more complacent until they really feel something or until something really happens. Instead of being in front of it, homeowners tend to be behind it. They are being reactive instead of proactive,” she told 1130 NewsRadio.

“Any time there is a shaker that people feel, people start to order the 72-hour preparedness kits for their cars and their homes. You start to see people ordering for children who are living on their own, and we see an uptick in the seniors who are thinking about it.”

Friedman says they offer kits meant for one, two, or four people.

“Everything we do is in a backpack so you can have your hands free to guide little ones or move debris with your hands. We have emergency food rations and emergency water, we have survival blankets, ponchos, toilet paper, and first aid supplies, along with light sticks and a pocket knife. It’s the basics of what you need.”

She says the idea is to get people started and they can then add personalized supplies to meet the needs of their household.

“If you had a baby, you might want to add formula. If you have a pet, you might want to add their food. A photocopy of your ID, cash, and any prescription medicine or eyeglasses you might also want to add.”

Friedman hopes the ShakeOut drill prompts more people to ensure they are well prepared for a major emergency.

“We hope with ShakeOut BC that people are thinking about it a little bit more. Think about your plan, your meeting place with your family, and your out-of-province contact number that everyone can check in with to say they are safe.

“And have your supplies, too, so you can sustain yourselves in case help can’t come when something major happens.”