THORNHILL ELEMENTARY students dropped down under their desks and held on during the Great BC Shakeout to learn about earthquake safety yesterday, Wednesday Jan. 26.
While under their desks, the students in Dighton Haynes's class, counted to 60 so they would remain under their desks for 1 minute.
All the students took part in the drill and principal Cory Killoran announced information about the safety drill over the p.a. system.
After minute was up, he said in a real earthquake, students would then wait another full minute before evacuating the school, which would allow for any dust to settle and any aftershocks.
This earthquake drill is intended to raise public awareness about earthquakes in the province especially after the wreckage caused in Haiti by that country's earthquake one year ago.
The actions to take to be safe in an earthquake are to Drop to the ground (before the earthquake drops you), Take cover under a sturdy desk or table and Hold On to it until the shaking stops.
If there's nothing to hold onto, you're advised to get down and cover your head and neck with your hands for protection.