Become an Earthquake Preparedness Ambassador - Enter the "Show Me ShakeOut" Poster & Video Contest

Join the conversation online with #EQPrepAmbassador and #ShakeOutBC

VANCOUVER, Oct. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - Calling all young artists! We want you to be Earthquake Preparedness Ambassadors. ShakeOutBC is once again asking students from across the province to help promote British Columbia's annual "Drop, Cover and Hold On" earthquake drill through the "Show Me ShakeOut" poster and video contest.

Winning submissions will be used to educate the public about the importance of earthquake preparedness and how the simple steps of "Drop, Cover and Hold On" can save lives.

"We hope to build on the fantastic submissions we received during the last contest. Students clearly demonstrated an understanding of earthquake preparedness in very creative ways," said Dave Cockle, President of the BC Earthquake Alliance. "If we can reach kids early with this important message, it helps build and support a culture of earthquake preparedness in BC."

The poster contest is open to primary and intermediate school students (kindergarten to grade 7). The video contest is targeted to high-school students (grades 8 to 12). For grades K through 7, winners will receive iPads. The top high-school student entry will receive a $1,000 bursary generously donated by ShakeOutBC's lead sponsor, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

"Participation and engagement help to drive home these important preparedness initiatives," said Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness, Naomi Yamamoto. "We want to instill the importance of the 'Drop, Cover and Hold On' message with our youth - ensuring this generation, the future of our province, acts as ambassadors for all British Columbians, driving home the importance of preparedness today and in the years ahead."

To help create buzz around this fun and educational contest, join the conversation online with the hashtags #EQPrepAmbassador and #ShakeOutBC.

"IBC is proud to sponsor the 'Show Me ShakeOut' poster and video contest for the second year in a row," said Bill Adams, IBC Vice-President, Western and Pacific. "We all have a role to play in creating a culture of preparedness in British Columbia and across the country, and this contest is a great way to get our youngest and brightest involved."

Submissions are due by Feb. 1, 2016. Winners will be announced Feb. 15. The selected posters and videos will be shared on the ShakeOutBC website (www.shakeoutbc.ca), as well as via Twitter (@ShakeOutBC and @IBC_West), YouTube and Facebook. 

Poster Guidelines:

• There are two grade categories: K–3 and 4–7. One winner will be selected for each.
• Entries are limited to one per student. Posters must be on letter-sized paper (8.5 by 11 inches).
• Artwork should demonstrate a ShakeOut topic, e.g., "Drop, Cover and Hold On" or personal earthquake preparedness.
• Posters will be judged on message and content, keeping age and skill level in mind.
• Parents/guardians must complete a consent form giving ShakeOutBC permission to disclose their child's name and publish their artwork.

Video Guidelines:

• There is one category: grades 8 to 12. One winner will be selected.
• Entries are limited to one per student and can't be longer than two minutes.
• The video or animation should demonstrate a ShakeOut topic, e.g., "Drop, Cover and Hold On" or personal earthquake preparedness.
• Entries will be judged on concept, messaging and visual impact. All content must be original.
• Parents/guardians must complete a consent form giving ShakeOutBC permission to disclose their child's name and publish their video.
• Anyone appearing in the video must also complete a release form.

Submitting Entries:

All submissions must include an entry and consent form with the student's name, grade, school and classroom teacher's name, and parent/guardian signatures. All necessary forms are available at www.shakeoutbc.ca.

Video entries must also include signed release forms for anyone who appears in the project.

Send poster entries to:

Jennifer McLarty, Co-Chair, ShakeOutBC Organizing Committee
c/o Emergency Management BC
PO Box 9201 Stn Prov Govt
Saanichton, BC V8W 9J1

Video files can be submitted in hard copy to the above mailing address or via YouTube. Upload your video, mark it unlisted and email the link, along with completed release forms, to [email protected].

About ShakeOutBC
This year's province-wide ShakeOutBC drill is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Oct. 15. The annual drill aims to raise awareness about BC's earthquake risk and the importance of "Drop, Cover, and Hold on." In 2014, more than 744,000 British Columbians participated in the drill, joining more than 23.4 million people worldwide. For information about ShakeOutBC and how to take part visit www.shakeoutbc.ca.

Why "Drop, Cover and Hold On"?
"Drop, Cover and Hold On" is internationally recognized as the best way to prevent injuries and save lives during an earthquake. Dropping to the ground prevents the earthquake from dropping you first. Taking cover and holding on helps protect you from flying objects and falling debris. Follow the link for short informational videos on proper form and more on why it works: http://ow.ly/T2y2x.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_West or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release. 

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]