Earthquake simulator at the Old Port aims to shock and educate

As part of this year’s “Fire Prevention Week”, the “Séismobile” is touring the province preparing the public for potential disasters.

The truck is an earthquake simulator that creates a powerful seismic tremor, capping out at a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale.

On Monday, visitors to the Jacques-Cartier pier were able to hop into the simulator and experience it for themselves for 30 seconds.

The simulator is designed to shock and educate.

“We want to tell people they have to get ready, they have to be prepared,” Caroline Phémius said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We want to tell people they have to get ready, they have to be prepared," Caroline Phémius said.

The spokesperson for the Insurance Bureau of Canada ensured that survival rate is much higher with education, “when they feel it, they better understand the way it works.”

READ MORE: 265 earthquakes have been recorded in Canada so far this year

Phémius advises those who find themselves in an earthquake to go under a table and hold on to it to keep steady until the tremors stop.

IBC Quebec said there are an average of 450 earthquakes in Eastern Canada each year, although the majority are not strong enough to feel.

The “Séismobile” will also be at place Émilie-Gamelin Tuesday, October 11 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.