The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has announced that it will open its portable earthquake simulator in Ottawa on October 17 and 18.

The setup, called the Shake Zone, simulates a magnitude 8.0 earthquake. Participants sit inside a truck-mounted cabin as simulated tremors rock the compartment. The IBC hopes that through the Shake Zone it can raise awareness about the importance of preparing for earthquakes and the like.

According to a release from the IBC, the Ottawa – Montreal – Quebec City corridor and southwestern British Columbia are the most susceptible to a large earthquake event. The bureau has recognized the danger residents of the combined area are in, so it has launched several initiatives such as the Shake Zone to help guide consumers.

IBC has also arranged for the largest earthquake preparedness drill in British Columbia this week, on October 20. Called “ShakeOut”, participants are invited to plan their own earthquake drills and to practice what to do in the event of a disaster.

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