At 10.19 a.m., October 19, Quebec will Drop, Cover, Hold On!

Three steps to take during an earthquake

MONTREAL, Oct. 17, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The City of Montreal, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the Association de Sécurité civile du Québec (ASCQ) will join forces for the 5th edition of the Great Quebec ShakeOut (La Grande Secousse), which encourages Quebecers to learn and practice the three life-saving steps in case of an earthquake, namely Drop, Cover, Hold On!

ASCQ, which has organized the Great Quebec ShakeOut drill for the past four years, notes a lack of earthquake preparedness by the population. The Association, which promotes public safety as its names indicates, believes that in addition to informing citizens about what to do, the drill also creates awareness about public safety and encourages them to be prepared for a disaster. This activity is part of Quebec's 2014-2024 Public Safety Policy, which makes individuals responsible for their own safety and everyone aware of the risks and disasters they face. Earthquake risk must be part of that. 

"Often, we tend to ignore danger as long as we don't need to confront it. And yet, it's by focussing on prevention and adequately preparing for certain situations that we avoid the worst. This is why the ASCQ has been active for years encouraging the population to take part in large numbers in the Great ShakeOut," stated Louise Bradette, President of ASCQ and Director, Civil Protection and Resilience, at the City of Montreal.

This annual international earthquake preparedness drill, which attracts millions of individuals each year, will take place throughout Quebec on October 19, 2017, at 10.19 a.m. It is exactly at this time that thousands will Drop, Cover (under a solid piece of furniture) and Hold On! for one minute, as though an earthquake had really hit Quebec.

"These three steps, which experts recommend, greatly contribute to reducing injuries and saving lives during a quake. Unfortunately, many Quebecers still don't know about them," noted Pierre Babinsky, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, at IBC. 

A number of schools will take part in the 5th edition of the Great ShakeOut. This is notably the case for École des Marguerite, a primary school in the borough of Verdun. Firefighters will be there to talk to the children about safety. "We're pleased to be taking part in the Great Quebec ShakeOut and to be teaching our students how to protect themselves if a quake were to hit, whether here or elsewhere in the world. This educational experience also has a fun side for the kids, and we know they'll share their experiences with their families at the supper table that evening," noted Gaétan Boucher, Assistant Director, at École des Marguerite.

Journalists are invited to take part in the drill with the students at École des Marguerite, at 100, boulevard de l'Île-des-Soeurs in Verdun, as of 9.30 a.m.

There's still time to register for the Grande Secousse and to Drop, Cover and Hold On! on October 19, at 10.19 a.m. In addition, when they register, participants could win a fabulous prize. To see the promotional video (in French only) on the Great Quebec ShakeOut click here.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada, which groups the majority Canada's P&C insurers, offers various services to consumers in order to inform and assist them when purchasing car or home insurance, or making a claim.

About Association de sécurité civile du Québec
The mission of Association de sécurité civile du Québec is to serve its members by creating a network of contacts, provide training, highlight expertise and promote good public safety practices in Quebec. Supported by highly experienced members, the Association de securité civile du Québec plays a leadership role and is a pivotal forum for promoting public safety excellence in Quebec through enhanced resilience.

SOURCE Association de sécurité civile du Québec (ASCQ)