Drop, cover and hold.

That’s what thousands of B.C. residents did on Wednesday morning as part of a province-wide earthquake drill.

ShakeOut B.C., which was organized by the B.C. Earthquake Alliance, aims to increase earthquake awareness and emergency preparedness.

While earthquakes are infrequent in the Okanagan, they do occur from time to time.

Wednesday’s drill was the largest earthquake drill in Canadian history.

Here are some tips on how to reduce the risk of damage if an earthquake were to strike:

• Strap your water heater to the wall

• Locate and know how to turn off your electrical system at the main circuit breaker or fuse box

• Move or secure objects that could fall on you such as books, plants or dishes

• Secure heavy objects such as bookcases or top-heavy furniture

• Remove or isolate flammable materials

• Do not place your bed near a window or hang heavy objects such as mirrors or paintings in a position where they could fall on the bed

• Secure TVs and computers

• Keep a fire extinguisher in your home

• Locate your home’s emergency exits and fire alarms

• Pack an emergency survival kit that contains food, sleeping bags, medication, first-aid supplies and bottled water

• Keep a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries on hand