La Grande Secousse Exercise - October 17, 2024 at 10:17 a.m.
The largest exercise in preparation for an earthquake in Quebec will take place on October 17 at 10:17 a.m.
The exercise is simple and short but allows developing good reflexes in the event that an earthquake would occur.
Quebec is located in an area known for its significant seismic activity: Some 200 shocks are recorded annually in this region. The threat of a major earthquake in Quebec is very real.
Your participation can be summarized in three steps:
- At the time of the exercise, lower yourself to the ground, shelter under a table or desk and grab tightly to the furniture as if there was a real earthquake. Stay in this position for at least 60 seconds. You need to practise to know how to protect yourself if an earthquake occurs.
- While staying safe, look around and imagine the scene if a real earthquake had occurred. What could fall over you? What would be the damage? What would be the impact of the earthquake in your daily life?
- Practice doing what you do once the tremors are over.
IMPORTANT: Although we want to have as many participants as possible, we ask you not to do the exercise if you have health conditions or physical condition that could cause you problems.
If in doubt, abstain and do the exercise in thought. The idea is especially to develop good reflexes and to apply it if a real earthquake occurs. The same applies if you serve citizens directly in a public area. In order not to create a situation of confusion or anxiety among our citizens, abstain. The exercise is aimed more at people in administrative areas, isolated from the public.
More details on the exercise can be found at www.grandesecousse.org/quebec.
