Thousands Across BVI Join ShakeOut Drill
The Virgin Islands took part in the international ShakeOut earthquake exercise on October 16, with about 2,650 people registered to practise earthquake response, including 14 schools and day-care facilities, 29 government or statutory organisations, and numerous private businesses and households. Department of Disaster Management officers also ran preparedness sessions at Willard Wheatley Primary School and the East End/Long Look Senior Social Programme and urged residents to follow simple safety steps and review tsunami evacuation routes.
The Virgin Islands joined thousands worldwide in the international ShakeOut earthquake exercise on October 16, with schools, public service workers, private sector organisations and families practising how to respond during a quake. According to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), approximately 2,650 people were registered to participate, including 14 schools and day‑care facilities, 29 government or statutory organisations, and a number of private businesses and households.
DDM Director Jasen Penn said the regular local exercises are vital to keeping the Territory prepared. “Each time we practise what to do during an earthquake, we are improving our level of readiness to respond to one. This is crucial since earthquakes occur with no warning,” Mr. Penn said, commenting on the exercise and noting that a magnitude 6.7 earthquake off the coast of Guadeloupe the same morning underlined the Caribbean’s seismic activity.
In the run‑up to the October 16 drill, Department of Disaster Management officers visited Willard Wheatley Primary School and the East End/Long Look Senior Social Programme to share practical guidance on earthquake and tsunami preparedness. Staff demonstrated the proven drop, cover and hold technique, discussed how to adapt the response for different settings, and shared tips to improve safety at home and in public places, the DDM said.
The DDM stresses simple, effective steps residents can take now: secure heavy furniture and water heaters, fasten shelves and pictures, store emergency supplies and important documents in an easy‑to‑grab kit, and develop a family emergency plan that includes agreed meeting points and methods of communication.
Residents who live along low‑lying coastlines should familiarise themselves with local tsunami evacuation routes and warnings and practise those routes with their families. For practical advice, the DDM’s Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety offers a checklist for planning, securing your space and recovering after a major quake and is available online at www.bviddm.com/seven-steps-to-earthquake-safety-2/.
Residents can also call the Department at (284) 468-4200 for advice and resources. About the Department: the DDM says these outreach efforts and exercises support its broader mission to protect lives and foster a resilient, sustainable economy and society through comprehensive disaster management and climate change adaptation.
The Virgin Islands disaster management programme is accredited by the Emergency Management Accreditation Programme (EMAP). Media or government enquiries can be directed to Chrystall Kanyuck‑Abel, Information & Education Manager, Department of Disaster Management at ckanyuck-abel@gov.vg.
General government media email is BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. For other government services or appointments call (284) 468-3701 or use the Government of the Virgin Islands virtual booking system; WhatsApp is available at 1(284) 468-9760. Update: This article incorporates additional details from the Government press release highlighting the participation of public service, schools and the private sector and providing further contact information and government service numbers.
Primary source: BVI Government