The recent forest fires in Fort McMurray have reinforced the importance of preparing for emergencies. On Vancouver Island, one emergency residents need to prepare for is a powerful earthquake.

“To help increase public awareness of our local earthquake risk, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) will be hosting the Shake Zone Simulator on Thursday, May 26,” explains Board Chair Jon Lefebure. “The Quake Cottage allows people to safely experience a significant 8.0 magnitude earthquake.”

This portable earthquake simulator is a partnership with Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and Health Emergency Management BC to ensure British Columbians are physically and financially prepared for an earthquake. Each year, over 3,000 earthquakes happen in BC and it is only a matter of time before a large earthquake hits.

Natural Resources Canada estimates there is a 30 per cent chance a major earthquake will strike BC in the next 50 years. IBC commissioned a study in 2013 that indicated such an earthquake could result in $75 billion in overall economic losses.

The Quake Cottage will be located at Island Savings Centre from 10 am to 4 pm. In addition to the earthquake simulator, a number of fire departments will be attending to showcase various apparatus. The Emergency Communications Team and Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society will be present to promote HAM radios. Emergency preparedness information will be available as well as some emergency supplies to purchase.

This is the first time the Shake Zone Simulator comes to Vancouver Island. BC Ferries is donating all the ferry costs for the simulator.