91泡芙

ShakeOut BC earthquake drill

What is ShakeOut BC?

ShakeOut BC is an annual province-wide earthquake drill in October that allows all of us to practice the internationally-recognized 鈥淒rop, Cover, Hold on鈥� procedures. It gives us an opportunity to test our emergency alert communications tools.  

ShakeOut BC Earthquake Drill 2025

Safety and emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play. We invite all members of the SFU community to participate in this year鈥檚 ShakeOutBC earthquake drill happening Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:16 a.m.

Download the new SFU Safe app to participate

Use the new SFU Safe app and enable your push notifications to receive emergency notifications and updates. Follow along with the recommended procedures to keep safe.

Alerts will also be communicated through via

  •  
  • Alertus for SFU-managed computers
  •  
  • Campus digital screens.   

ShakeOut BC drill details

Pre-drill

  • Download the SFU Safe app and enable push notifications to receive a drill notification. 
  • Other SFU Alerts channels will also be tested including digital screens and Alertus notifications on SFU-managed devices.
  • Review earthquake emergency procedures prior to the drill.
  • Have the ready for 10:16 a.m. to follow along.

Inside &
     in class

  • Drop, cover, and hold on under a desk, table, interior wall or corner
  • Wait 60 seconds after the shaking stops
  • Proceed with caution to the and monitor SFU Alerts and the SFU Safe app for further instruction and updates

Outside

  • Stay outside
  • Move to an open area away from buildings, glass and power lines
  • Do not enter any buildings until they have been approved for re-entry

In transit

  • In a car - Pull over. Avoid overhead structures (i.e. bridges and overpasses). Set the parking brake and stay inside.
  • On a bus - Stay seated until the bus stops. Drop, cover and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay inside if it is safe.

Mobility
     challenges

  • If you can, follow the drop, cover, hold-on procedure
  • If you are in a wheel chair, move to an inner wall if safe to do so.  Lock the brakes and cover your head with your arms
  • If available use a blanket or pillow to shield your face from falling debris/glass
  • When the shaking stops move to refuge areas

鈥淒rop, cover, hold on鈥� at 10:16 a.m.

Wherever you are at 10:16 a.m. practice "Drop, cover, hold on鈥� procedures and follow along to the . Encourage drill participation in your classrooms and/or work spaces.

After the drill

Explore our preparedness resources: