Thursday, July 17, 2025

Vancouver Emergency Preparedness Guide – Earthquake, Tsunami, Flood & Fire

🌍 Vancouver Emergency Preparedness Guide – Earthquake, Tsunami, Flood & Fire

After the tsunami scare in Alaska, it’s a good time to ask:
Are YOU ready for an emergency in Vancouver?

Here’s a simple A, B, C, D guide for staying safe in case of:

  • A. Earthquakes
  • B. Tsunamis
  • C. Flooding
  • D. Fires / Smoke

A. 🌍 Earthquake – “Drop, Cover, Hold On!”

What to do during shaking:

  • 🧎‍♀️ Drop to the ground
  • 🛡️ Cover your head and neck under a table or with your arms
  • Hold on until the shaking stops

After the quake:

  • 🔍 Check for gas leaks, fire, and injuries
  • 📱 Use text messages to reduce phone line congestion
  • 📻 Tune in to CBC Radio 690 AM or 88.1 FM for emergency updates
  • 🚪 Stay away from elevators

🧰 Build your kit: water, food, flashlight, batteries, radio, medications, first aid, cash, copies of ID.


B. 🌊 Tsunami – “Get to Higher Ground ASAP!”

When to act:

  • If you feel a long or strong earthquake near the coast, don't wait — evacuate to higher ground immediately
  • Follow alerts from Emergency Info BC or tsunami.gov

Where to go:

  • Move at least 20 metres above sea level or as far inland as possible
  • Do not go to the beach to "watch"
  • Avoid bridges and waterfronts

📍 Areas like Kitsilano Beach, Stanley Park Seawall, False Creek are vulnerable in a major tsunami scenario.


C. 🌧️ Flooding – “Avoid Water, Stay Alert”

Before and during flooding:

  • Stay tuned to Vancouver.ca and Environment Canada for weather alerts
  • Move valuable items to upper floors if flooding is expected
  • 🚗 Never drive through flooded roads — water is stronger than it looks

📍 Flood-prone areas in Vancouver include low-lying neighborhoods near the Fraser River and False Creek.


D. 🔥 Fires / Wildfire Smoke – “Air Quality and Evacuation Ready”

Wildfire smoke:

  • 🪟 Keep windows and doors closed on smoky days
  • 🧼 Use HEPA filters or a DIY fan with furnace filter
  • 😷 Wear an N95 mask outside when air quality is poor

Fire evacuation (for rural or suburban areas):

  • 🧳 Have a grab-and-go emergency bag ready
  • 🗺️ Know your community’s evacuation route
  • 🏘️ Help neighbours, especially seniors and people with mobility challenges

🚨 Stay updated at BC Wildfire Map


✅ Quick Emergency Prep Checklist:

  • 📦 Emergency kit (3 days' worth of supplies)
  • 📱 Sign up for Emergency Info BC & Alert Ready
  • 💬 Make a family and community plan
  • 📍 Know your meeting points

Stay safe, stay informed, and help each other out. 💚

Blog by: Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
#EmergencyPreparedness #VancouverSafety #EarthquakeReady #TsunamiPrep #FloodAwareness #WildfireSmoke #Zipolita #TinaWinterlik #StayReady

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