It’s Tsunami Preparedness Week in B.C., and while Richmond may not be at risk of a tsunami if there’s an earthquake, the provincial government is spreading awareness of how to prepare in case of emergency.
According to a recent Emergency Management BC-commissioned Ipsos poll, just over half of British Columbians have drafted an emergency plan in case of an earthquake, but only 13 per cent say they’ve completed it. However, scientific studies and wave modelling have shown even the largest earthquakes off the west coast of Vancouver Island would not result in large waves striking Richmond.
“Any tsunami generated in the open Pacific is of little threat to Vancouver, Richmond or Delta areas,” said University of B.C. oceanographer Dr. Susan Allen.
A bigger risk for Richmond are rising water levels.
“No question, the higher sea levels get, the more susceptible Richmond will be to all water hazards,” Allen said.
Of course, there’s no way to know where you’ll be if an earthquake hits. From April 9 to April 15, PreparedBC is sharing preparedness tips through its Twitter account including how to build an emergency kit for yourself and for your pets, where the various tsunami notifications are throughout the province and information from its new earthquake and tsunami guide.
For more information on how to be prepared in case of an emergency, visit PreparedBC’s website.
With files from Graeme Wood
