I’d like to clarify some misunderstandings in your editorial, “Rupert dropping ball on emergency preparedness.”
In the event of a tsunami warning, Emergency Management B.C. (EMBC) notifies local governments, first responders and media of emergencies via the Provincial Emergency Notification System (PENS); the Emergency Info BC blog and Twitter feed; and Alert Ready. The current system offers municipal governments the opportunity to make decisions based on the determination of their own unique risks.
READ MORE: Rupert dropping ball on emergency preparedness
The provincial government does not notify each individual in the event of a tsunami warning. It is local government that decides whether to activate a local alert and the method of communication – a siren, broadcasts through social or local media, emergency personnel knocking on doors are some examples.
With respect to the January 23 earthquake that occurred just off the coast of Kodiak, Alaska, a number of coastal communities chose to evacuate, while others decided to monitor the situation as it unfolded using the information available to them.
On a provincial level, the government works with individual communities to develop emergency plans that reflect their unique needs. If anything, the January 23 tsunami warning reveals to what extent the system works. Nevertheless, no alert system is failsafe, and the Province is continuing to work with local and national governments to improve the safety of all individuals visiting or residing along the West Coast of British Columbia.
So as far as Prince Rupert is concerned, a number of outlying islands shield most of the city from the worst of a major tsunami. The main risk is flooding along low-level neighborhoods and the waterfront. The City of Prince Rupert prioritizes these areas for evacuation in the event of a tsunami-related flood risk. At the time of the event the city knew it was coincidentally low tide, which further meant a lower level of risk to the waterfront and low-lying areas from flooding.
I’m also delighted to note that the Province of British Columbia is currently working with the City of Prince Rupert on a tsunami flood risk assessment project. This project is just one of the many improvements in earthquake and tsunami preparedness that all levels of government continue to advocate for, promote and implement.
More than anything, however, I would like to stress the importance of knowing your risks: Do you live on the waterfront, or along a flood plain? Have you developed an emergency plan with family members and your neighbours? Do you have not one, but perhaps three emergency kits stowed in an easy-to-reach location in your home, your car and your workplace? Do you have enough supplies to carry you through at least seven days of disrupted water, electricity and other services?
For more information about how to improve the safety of yourself and loved ones, please visit www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC.
P.S.: If a tsunami alert is broadcast in your community, remember to stay calm, stay safe, heed the instructions of local government and head to high ground.
Jennifer Rice
Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness