British Columbia

Earthquake simulator featured at Earthquake Preparedness Week in Vancouver

Officials hope 8.0 magnitude earthquake simulator wake people up when it comes to preparing for emergencies.

Better safe than sorry say officials about earthquake preparedness

Simulator shows what a major earthquake is like

9 years ago
Duration 1:04
Officials hope the 8.0 magnitude earthquake simulator will prompt emergency preparedness

Rescue officials are urging B.C. residents to prepare for a major earthquake because many families are not aware of what they may need in an emergency situation.

About 53 per cent of people in Canada do not have an emergency kit to sustain themselves for 72 hours after a major earthquake, say officials.

Natural Resources Canada says there is a 30 per cent chance that a major earthquake will strike B.C. in the next 50 years.

The City of Vancouver and Science World are holding an event Friday and Saturday to help people understand earthquake preparedness.

The event, taking place in front of Science World, features an earthquake simulator where people can enter and experience what a 8.0 magnitude quake would feel like inside a home.

Earthquake Preparedness Week runs May 1 to 7 in Canada.

People can buy a 72 hour emergency kit from the Red Cross.

emergency kit
The Red Cross says this emergency kit will help people survive for the first 72 hours after a natural disaster. (CBC)