This map shows the three areas of Saanich, which a tsunami would most likely affect. District of Saanich

The District of Saanich is participating in Emergency Management B.C.’s Tsunami Preparedness Week by encouraging residents to develop their own personal emergency preparedness plan and understand the tsunami threat in Saanich.

“The Jan. 23 tsunami warning issued by Emergency Management BC was an important reminder that residents need to understand where the risk areas are in Saanich,” said Saanich Deputy Fire Chief Frank Macdonald. “The primary tsunami risk in our region is from a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and the strong shaking from this event is nature’s warning to move to higher ground or inland, four meters vertical from the high tide line.”

The CRD conducted a tsunami risk assessment identifying tsunami planning zones for CRD residents and created a tsunami brochure with a risk map for Saanich. The Saanich maps will be on display in Saanich Municipal Hall from April 9 to 13.

The Saanich Emergency Program offers free emergency preparedness presentations at recreation centres throughout the community, which provide information for individuals to be able to sustain themselves for a minimum of seven days after a disaster. Each participating household receives a take-home copy of the workbook, Prepare Yourself, A Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region, to help with emergency planning.

The next emergency preparedness presentation is: Wednesday, April 18, 7 to 8 p.m. at Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd. Register for course #852961 at 250-475-5400