IBC helps bring earthquake simulator to British Columbia

Be earthquake aware this Emergency Preparedness Week

VANCOUVER, May 4, 2015 /CNW/ - British Columbia is prone to earthquakes. Natural Resources Canada estimates there is a 30% chance that a major earthquake will strike southwestern British Columbia in the next 50 years. The findings of an IBC-commissioned report showed that Canada is simply not prepared to handle a major earthquake. This is why Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is making earthquake preparedness the focus of this year's Emergency Preparedness Week.

"Preparing Canada for an earthquake is a strategic priority for Canada's insurance industry," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western & Pacific, IBC. "We are pleased to be helping create a culture of earthquake preparedness here in British Columbia."

An IBC-commissioned Pollara Poll released last year showed that residents in vulnerable areas believed that an earthquake is a valid yet far off possibility. The government of British Columbia also recently released an earthquake report – The Earthquake Preparedness Consultation Report – which similarly pointed to public apathy.

Adams added "this shows how important it is to get the message out to British Columbians that preparation is absolutely vital."

To raise awareness of the earthquake risk that British Columbians face, IBC partnered with the Province of British Columbia, eight municipal governments in the Greater Vancouver Area and FortisBC to bring the region the Quake Cottage, a portable earthquake simulator. To experience the Quake Cottage, visit one of the following events: 

• Corporation of Delta School Event
  • May 4
  • 4:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
  • Harris Barn, 4140 Arthur Dr., Delta
• City of Vancouver Community Event
  • May 5
  • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Vancouver City Hall, 453 West 12th Ave., Vancouver
• City of Coquitlam and Port Moody Community Event
  • May 6
  • 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
  • Coquitlam Centre, 2929 Barnet Hwy., Coquitlam
• City of White Rock Community Event
  • May 7
  • 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • White Rock Fire Hall, 15315 Pacific Ave., White Rock
• City of Richmond Community Event at Minoru Park
  • May 8
  • 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
  • Minoru Park, 7191 Granville Ave., Richmond
• District of North Vancouver Community Event at Lynn Valley Village
  • May 9
  • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Lynn Valley Village, 1233–1277 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver

"Preparing for an earthquake is a shared responsibility, and IBC is pleased to be working with governments and other partners to help ensure that British Columbians are prepared, both physically and financially," added Adams.

To view IBC's Top 10 Tips to prepare for an earthquake, click here. To learn more about emergency preparedness, click here.

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.  

Fo-r 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 1-844-2-ASK-IBC.

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

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

Image with caption: "IBC Top 10: Tips to prepare your family for emergencies (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150504_C8143_PHOTO_EN_16176.jpg

For further information: To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, [e-mail]