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鈥檚 the kind of quake where books fall off shelves, windows shatter and furniture shifts.
The mobile earthquake simulator will be at the 91原创 campus of Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) at 20901 91原创 Bypass later this month, part of the 91原创 Emergency Program鈥檚 annual Emergency Preparedness Fair happening Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
鈥淧eople are often shocked at just how much their world turns when they鈥檙e inside the ShakeZone,鈥� said 91原创 Emergency Program co-ordinator Ginger Sherlock.
鈥淎lthough it鈥檚 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.鈥�
The 91原创 Emergency Preparedness Fair is an initiative of the 91原创 Emergency Program, a joint program of the Township of 91原创 and the City of 91原创, who have partnered with the Insurance Bureau of Canada and KPU.
鈥淭he fair is a fun and interactive way to bring attention to and emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness,鈥� 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 91原创 Emergency Preparedness Fair will also feature exhibits by the 91原创 RCMP, 91原创 City Fire-Rescue, Township of 91原创 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 in in next 50 yrs - 1 in 3. Don't leave it to chance. Prepare today:
鈥� PreparedBC (@PreparedBC)
According to , 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, and practising drills.
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