Hazards in B.C.

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Related emergency hashtags: 

• #BCTsunami 
• #Volcano 
• #BCEmergencyAlert 
• #Evacuation 

PreparedBC resources: 

• Get prepared for earthquakes and tsunamis 
• Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness Guide (PDF, 1.5MB) 

Tsunami notification zones: 

B.C.’s coastal communities are divided into 5 notification zones. 

Tsunami alert levels: 

Warning: 

The highest level of tsunami alert. Warnings are issued when there is an imminent threat of a tsunami from: 

• A large undersea earthquake, or 
• Following confirmation that that a potentially destructive tsunami is underway 

At first, a Warning may be based on seismic information as a way of notifying the public early. Warnings advise that appropriate actions be taken in response to the tsunami threat. These actions could include the evacuation of low-lying coastal areas. 

Advisory: 

The second highest level of tsunami alert. Advisories are issued due to the threat of a tsunami that could produce strong currents dangerous to those in or near the water. 

Significant inundation is not expected for areas under an Advisory. Coastal zones may be at risk due to strong currents. 

Appropriate actions by local emergency management personnel may include closing beaches, and evacuating harbours and marinas. 

Watch: 

The third highest level of tsunami alert. Watches are based on seismic information without confirmation that a destructive tsunami is underway. 

There is a potential threat to a zone under a Watch but communities have time to prepare. Emergency management personnel and coastal residents should prepare to take action in case the Watch is upgraded. 

Cancellation: 

Cancels any previously issued tsunami messages. It is issued when there is no longer observed evidence of tsunami waves at tide gauge stations. Local conditions may differ from those at tide gauge stations and local authorities should determine the safety of coastlines. 

Once a cancellation has been issued for a tsunami event, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness will no longer issue tsunami messages. 

Receive tsunami alerts: 

Sign up at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission to receive notifications from the National Tsunami Warning Center about events impacting B.C. 

You will also receive notifications from: 

• The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center 
• North West Pacific Tsunami Advisory Center 
• Regional tsunami service providers in India and Indonesia 

You can follow many organizations on Twitter: 

• @NWS_NTWC (National Tsunami Warning Center) 
• @CANADAquakes (National Resources Canada) 
• @USGSted (U.S. Geographical Survey) 

Trusted partners: 

• National Tsunami Warning Center 
• United States Geological Survey (USGS)