A ride in the Shakezone machine lets people safely experience an 8.0 magnitude earthquake.
Participants take a seat inside the machine, which starts shaking, slowly at first, then quickly becoming more extreme.
An 8.0 on the Richter scale is close to the maximum, capable of causing moderate to heavy damage to sturdy or earthquake-resistant buildings.
It’s the kind of quake where books fall off shelves, windows shatter and furniture shifts.
The mobile earthquake simulator will be at the Langley campus of Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) at 20901 Langley Bypass later this month, part of the Langley Emergency Program’s annual Emergency Preparedness Fair happening Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“People are often shocked at just how much their world turns when they’re inside the ShakeZone,” said Langley Emergency Program co-ordinator Ginger Sherlock.
“Although it’s entertaining in an amusement park sort of way, it also helps deliver a very serious message about being prepared to take care of yourself and your family.”
The Langley Emergency Preparedness Fair is an initiative of the Langley Emergency Program, a joint program of the Township of Langley and the City of Langley, who have partnered with the Insurance Bureau of Canada and KPU.
“The fair is a fun and interactive way to bring attention to and emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness,” said Cam Kowalski, manager of emergency planning at KPU.
More than 3,000 earthquakes occur in B.C. every year, and although very few have caused damage, it is never too early to be prepared, organizers said.
The Langley Emergency Preparedness Fair will also feature exhibits by the Langley RCMP, Langley City Fire-Rescue, Township of Langley Fire Department, Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue, Salvation Army, Emergency Support Services and others.
Besides a ride in Shakezone, visitors can learn how to be prepared, talk with experts, grab a bite from the on-site food trucks, and enter to win an emergency preparedness kit.
The event and parking are free to the public.
Odds of a damaging #earthquake in #BC in next 50 yrs - 1 in 3. Don't leave it to chance. Prepare today: https://t.co/183kMWVGrr #PreparedBC pic.twitter.com/aKWaostw2X
— PreparedBC (@PreparedBC) September 21, 2017
According to PreparedBC, the odds of a damaging earthquake hitting B.C. in the next 50 years are one in three.
The agency describes the province as a high-risk earthquake zone, and advises people should be prepared to be on their own for a minimum of 72 hours after an earthquake hits.
It recommends developing a household plan, putting together an emergency kit, connecting with neighbours and practising drills.
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