If you felt the earthquake today - a 6.7 magnitude quake 136 km southeast of Port Hardy and 26 kilometres deep - you might just want to check out these local courses.
Sparked by the recent earthquakes that devastated Japan, New Zealand, Haiti and Chile, the New Westminster Emergency Management Office is hosting an earthquake seminar for anyone interested.
According to David Jones, manager of emergency management, this is another component in the public safety realm that is much needed because the region is an earthquake hazard zone.
"Preparation offers peace of mind," Jones said. "To be prepared is to be ready, to not only help yourself, but neighbours too."
The seminar is expected to provide an overview on steps to take to become prepared for an emergency including what to do before, during and after an earthquake, how to develop a family emergency plan and kit, and the roles and responsibilities of the New Westminster police, fire and rescue services.
"There are 57 idenitified hazards in B.C., natural and manmade" Jones noted. "It's important to know the hazards and to make a plan and a kit."
Both seminars are going to be held inside New Westminster's Emergency Operations Centre at city hall (511 Royal Ave.) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Sept 20. and 22. To access the centre, go through the side entrance by the Integrated Road Safety Unit Entrance.
"By preparing now, you can reduce the fear, anxiety and loss that accompany a disaster and be better equipped to deal with an emergency," according to a emergency management office info sheet. "Take some time to learn about hazardous risks, what to put in your home emergency kit, who to include on your out-of-province contact list and more."
Jones said the office will also be taking the seminars to schools to compliment the public safety work already done by the police and firefighters.
"This is the last component missing," Jones said about earthquake awareness. "It helps you know what to do in those visceral moments."
The office also offers seminars to strata buildings, businesses and others. To find out more visit, www.newwestcity.ca.
To register for the seminars call the Emergency Management Office at 604-515-3794 during business hours as seating is limited to 40 people per session. It's a first-come, first-serve basis.
