Maple Ridge, B.C., Oct. 9, 2026 — Maple Ridge residents are encouraged to take part in the Great BC ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, October 15 at 10:15 a.m.
The annual province-wide drill is an opportunity for people to practise what to do during an earthquake, whether they are at home, work, school or out in the community. Participants are encouraged to use the drill to review their emergency plans, supplies and the steps they would take after the shaking stops.
During the drill, practise Drop, Cover and Hold On:
- Drop to the ground. If you use a wheelchair or walker, lock the wheels.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms and, if possible, get under a sturdy desk or table. If there is no nearby shelter, move to an inside corner and protect your head and neck.
- Hold On to your shelter and wait/count to 60 seconds after the shaking stops
Do not run outside to another room when shaking starts. Take a moment after the drill to identify anything that could fall, block an exit or create a hazard in your home, classroom or workplace.
How to Participate
Residents can register for the Great BC ShakeOut and find drill resources, including sound effects and preparedness information, at ShakeOutBC.ca.
The City is also offering free Be Earthquake Ready workshops to help residents prepare before an emergency happens. Participants will learn about earthquake risks in British Columbia, household emergency plans, emergency kits and practical ways to make their homes and families safer.
The next workshops will take place on:
- Monday, October 26, at 1 p.m.
- Monday, October 26, at 6 p.m.
Both sessions will be held in the Fraser Room at Maple Ridge Public Library, 22470 Dewdney Trunk Road. Registration is required at MapleRidge.ca/EmergencyReadiness.
Prepare Now
Residents can take a few practical steps before an earthquake:
- Make or update a household emergency plan, including arrangements for pets and livestock.
- Build and maintain emergency supplies for at least 72 hours to one week.
- Do a hazard hunt at home or work and secure items that could fall, such as bookcases, TVs, mirrors and heavy pictures.
- Learn how to safely turn off water, gas and electricity if needed.
- Sign up for Alert Maple Ridge to receive City-issued emergency alerts and instructions through the Alertable app at MapleRidge.ca/Alert.
For more information on emergency readiness, contact EmergencyProgram@MapleRidge.ca.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T: 604-466-4319 C: 778-955-4249 E: Media@MapleRidge.ca