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Video: Quake Cottage rumbles into Richmond

8.0-magnitude simulator will be in town next Friday, May 8
quake
This simulator will let people get a feel for what a major earthquake will be like

Richmond residents will be among the first in Canada to experience the virtual reality of an 8.0-magnitude earthquake when Quake Cottage rolls into town next week.

To mark Emergency Preparedness Week, the mobile simulator trailer will be spending Friday, May 8 at Minoru Park.

Joan Rivers from Quake Cottage, LLC on Vimeo.

Inside Quake Cottage, a simulated major earthquake illustrates the importance of securing household items such as cabinets, furniture, flat screen TVs, refrigerators and cabinet doors.

Up to three people at a time will be able to sit down and then feel and see what happens to their environment when an 8.0-magnitude ‘quake occurs.

Mayor Malcolm Brodie hopes Quake Cottage will prompt people to re-examine how well they’ve prepared their home or work surroundings for a major earthquake.

“Richmond and much of B.C. is at risk of having a major earthquake occur at any time, so it’s important that everyone take steps to protect themselves from serious injury or damage when it finally happens,” said Brodie.

A small mobile trailer, outfitted to resemble a typical workspace, Quake Cottage demonstrates the need to proactively assess and secure various items in homes, schools and workplaces.

After experiencing popular acclaim across the U.S., the cottage is making its first visit to Canada and is visiting a number of Lower Mainland cities throughout Emergency Preparedness Week, which is from May 3 to 9.

The cottage will be set up in Minoru Park from noon to 9 p.m. on May 8 as part of Richmond’s annual Move for Health Festival.

In addition to the cottage, residents will be able to get emergency preparedness information and tools from Richmond Emergency Programs, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Fortis BC, the BC Earthquake Alliance and Richmond Fire Rescue.

Residents will also be able to sign up to receive direct voice or text messages about local emergencies to their phones or emails through the new Richmond BC Alert emergency notification system, which is being launched to coincide with Emergency Preparedness Week.

For more information on emergency preparedness in Richmond visit www.city.richmond.bc.ca/safety/prepare.