You hear a rattling noise, like an overloaded washing machine. It quickly becomes a rumbling, more like a freight train barreling down your street. Suddenly your curiosity turns to alarm as you realize it must be an earthquake. 

You only have seconds. Do you know exactly what to do the moment the ground starts shaking?

If the first thing you think of is running, or finding a doorway or something about a triangle - stop. These are not quake‐safe actions.

Remember these three simple words: 
Drop. Cover. Hold on.

We live in an active earthquake region. In fact, our area averages approximately 1200 earthquakes per year. There is no way to know when a major earthquake may happen but it is a fact that one will occur in the area. It is important that we prepare ourselves and our loved ones for an earthquake or other natural or man-made disaster.

Being prepared is one of the best ways to protect yourself in the event of an emergency. Watch these "Get your kit together" videos!

• Create an emergency plan for your family so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
• You should also have an emergency kit at home and in your vehicle.
• Establish emergency contacts and familiarize yourself with the most effective way to stay in touch with loved ones during an emergency.
• Like it or not, social media has been shown to be an important way to stay in touch and informed in emergencies. Following the City of Colwood on facebook and twitter is a good place to start.

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut is a way to get us all thinking about emergency preparedness.

Staff at Colwood City Hall will be participating in ShakeOutBC. We'll drop, cover and hold on. Read more about Emergency Planning in the City of Colwood.

Register now at www.ShakeOutBC.ca to learn more and practice earthquake safety. Then drop cover and hold on at 10:19 on October 19, 2017.