School District No. 35

Students and staff throughout the Langley School District took part in the provincewide Great British Columbia ShakeOut on Thursday, practising the essential steps to take to stay safe during an earthquake: drop, cover and hold on.

Held annually, the Great ShakeOut gives schools – as well as staff at other District sites, including the School Board Office – an opportunity to practise earthquake safety, learn about emergency preparedness, and reinforce the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. It is one of several emergency exercises students and staff participate in throughout the school year to build familiarity with safety procedures and help everyone know how to respond when the unexpected happens.

“The Great ShakeOut is an important opportunity for students to practise what to do during an earthquake so that, if one happens, they can respond quickly and confidently,” said Simonds Principal Jason Malo, whose school performed its drill – which included an orderly, efficient evacuation of the building – on Thursday just before the lunch break. “By rehearsing ‘drop, cover and hold on,’ students build the muscle memory they need to help keep themselves safe, while learning the importance of staying calm and looking out for one another.”

During the drill, a principal or staff member announces the simulated earthquake, sometimes accompanied by sound effects to help recreate the experience. Students and staff drop to the ground, take cover beneath a desk, table or another sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. Participants then count to 60 before evacuating the building and making their way to the school's designated gathering area.

Beyond practising physical safety measures, emergency drills also help students develop the confidence to respond calmly in stressful situations.

“We want students to carry that knowledge beyond the classroom by talking with their families about emergency preparedness and making sure they know how to stay safe at home, too,” Malo said. “Being prepared helps everyone feel more confident and ready to respond when it matters most.”

Throughout the year, schools across the District practise a range of emergency procedures, such as lockdowns, hold and secure, shelter in place and room clear. Each procedure is designed for a different type of situation and includes specific steps for staff and students to follow. School administrators and staff review these protocols at the beginning of each school year. Following an emergency, schools will communicate with families as appropriate to the circumstances.

For more information about the District’s emergency procedures, click here.