Katie Bartel’s article (Earthquake drill fails to register in Chilliwack) Jan.20 and Wendy Major’s letter (We need an earthquake plan) Jan.28 in The Chilliwack Progress addressed the lack of enthusiasm of our community in the Great ShakeOut.
I applaud the schools, businesses, organizations, families and individuals who did practice B.C.’s 60-second ShakeOut drill on Jan. 26
Sadly, our community of Chilliwack failed to embrace a great opportunity for a drill that would have taken minutes from their daily life. The BC Earthquake Alliance Society, which organized a simultaneous drill, handed our province a gift.
We live in a coastal region that is extremely vulnerable to earthquakes. This fact alone should motivate us to practice for a natural disaster. The Great British Columbia ShakeOut earthquake drill was truly a no-brainer!
It was my privilege to have worked with a passionate dedicated group of parent volunteers who planned, developed and maintained an emergency preparedness plan for our elementary school. We took pride in such a worthy project.
I hope our city does not miss next year’s event. We must have a plan and practice. Being prepared is part of the solution. Please visit www.shakeoutbc.ca
Chris Rosenburg
Sardis