BC Government News Release: Turn the tide during Tsunami Preparedness Week

*TIP: Download tsunami drill guides, tourism participation guides, FAQs, and more resources to inform year-round tsunami preparedness planning here: https://www.shakeoutbc.ca/media-resources/drill-guides-links/

Details from the BC Government news release:

People living in coastal B.C. communities are encouraged to get prepared for tsunamis and practise their evacuation plans during Tsunami Preparedness Week April 14-20, 2024.

“Many areas along the coast of B.C. are at risk of tsunamis, which are a series of giant waves that can send surges of water to shore quickly and cause severe damage,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “While it’s hard to imagine a tsunami happening, getting prepared now and knowing what to do should one happen can help keep you and your loved ones safe. This Tsunami Preparedness Week, make or review your home emergency plan, put together your grab-and-go bag and practise your evacuation route.”

During Tsunami Preparedness Week, some coastal communities are hosting High Ground Hikes, where people can practise reaching their tsunami safe zone. Knowing where higher ground is and how to get there quickly is an important part of tsunami preparedness, and people may not need to go far to reach a safe area.

“People on the West Coast are very aware of the threat tsunamis pose, and in the case of the 1964 Alaska earthquake, the very real impacts of tsunamis on coastal communities like Port Alberni and Hot Springs Cove,” says Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “Tsunami preparedness, as well as tsunami awareness, is so critical for the safety of our communities. That’s why Tsunami Preparedness Week and events like High Ground Hikes are a great opportunity to learn where your closest tsunami safe zone is, and to create or review your family’s household emergency plan.”

If you are visiting an area with higher tsunami risk, research evacuation routes and share your travel plans with friends and family.

Read the full news release, here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024EMCR0018-000543 

Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
Media Relations
250 880-6430

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