By SONJA DRINKWATER
Special to the AV News
An earthquake simulator set up outside the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Friday, April 12 drew attention from students at the nearby high school as well as residents.
The simulator was part of the BC Earthquake Alliance’s earthquake preparedness tour that kicked off April 10 in Victoria and continued over the weekend on the west coast.
A group of students from Alberni District Secondary School were on a run when they stopped to take a ride in the sim and speak to on-site specialists. Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, was on hand and also took a ride with
Kaitlin Minvielle, the emergency coordinator with Tseshaht First Nations and Karen Freethy the ACRD protective services co-ordinator.
Many residents came by to bone up on their knowledge and take a ride in the magnitude 8.0 simulator for 40 seconds. Normally an 8.0 magnitude will last three to three and a half minutes, according to the experts.
West coasters know just how important it is to be prepared in the event of an earthquake or a tsunami,” Osborne said. “Because remote areas often don’t have the same level of resources and educational opportunities offered in larger centres, it means a lot that the BCEA is specifically visiting our region on this preparedness tour. It will help fill the gaps to ensure we are all better prepared for natural disasters.”