The Canadian government released Tuesday an updated earthquake guide, which tells Canadians how to prepare for and respond to an earthquake.

"The updated earthquake guide provides clear and important advice for individuals and families in the event of an earthquake," Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews said in officially releasing the document.

This includes advice on how to behave on one's own in the first 72 hours after an earthquake, so emergency teams can focus on those in the most urgent need, he said, "Every one of us should be aware of the risk, make a plan and obtain an emergency kit."

The release of the guide comes as the westernmost province of British Columbia is to hold a province-wide earthquake drill on Wednesday, the 311th anniversary of the largest earthquake in Canadian history.

The drill, named "Great British Columbia Shakeout," aims to help local people to learn more about earthquake hazard in the province, and encourage proactive thinking about emergency preparedness.