#ShakeOut at Menno Place

Menno Place will practice our earthquake preparedness safety drill – DROP, COVER and HOLD ON on October 20th at 10:20am – the Great British Columbia ShakeOut! All staff and residents at Menno Place will be participating with practice drills and education sessions.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On when the earth shakes.

Taking the proper actions, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, can save lives and reduce the risk
of injury. Everyone, everywhere, should learn and practice what to do during an earthquake, whether at home, work, school or traveling.

If you’re at Menno Place, please prepare to participate in this drill.

At 10:20am you will hear an announcement: “Earthquake drill STOP, DROP, COVER, HOLD ON”

  • You are required, if safe to do so, stop current activity, drop to the floor and take cover under a table or desk.
  • You should count out loud for the duration of the simulated earthquake. This will help keep you focused and calm, as well as providing an indication of how long shaking can last.
  • When the shaking portion of the drill stops, stay in place and count to 60, giving displaced objects a chance to settle.

Some education tips:

  • Residents in beds, recliners, wheelchairs should not be transferred until after the shaking stops. Stay put. Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
  • Wheelchair users: lock the wheels, cover your head and neck.
  • A safe place for residents who cannot drop is next to an inside wall away from moving/falling objects
  • Do not use doorways

For those with disabilities:

   DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand

  • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter
  • If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)
  • Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs
HOLD ON until shaking stops

  • Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
  • No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.