On March 10th, Japan was struck by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake followed by a 10 metre tsunami. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre had issued an Advisory for Coastal British Columbia for the North, Central and West Coast of Vancouver Island to Port Renfrew. Zone D, which encompasses Esquimalt around Clover Point into Oak Bay, is not included in the advisory and there is no threat to our immediate area. The damage in Japan is devastating and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Japanese citizens.
Esquimalt residents are asked to reflect on their own personal level of preparedness for such an emergency. The March 10th earthquake and resulting tsunami are very similar to what experts are predicting for our coast. Please take the time to reflect on your family’s emergency preparedness plan.
The Esquimalt Emergency Program recommends that residents have enough emergency supplies to stay within their own home for a minimum of 7 days. In the event of a quick evacuation, individuals should have a Grab and Go Bag that contains basic supplies including extra medications and important documents. Grab and Go Bags should be kept in your office, vehicle or at home near an exit. Emergency kits can be purchased through the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, safety supply stores, or at select local department stores.
For the most up to date information on earthquake and emergency preparedness, please go to www.getprepared.ca or www.embc.gov.bc.ca/em/.
Esquimalt's Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program arranges free workshops for the public on topics related to individual and neighbourhood preparedness.
To find out more about these workshops, and Esquimalt's Emergency Program, please click here.
For more information, please contact:
Maegan Thompson, Esquimalt Emergency Program Manager
Tel: 250-414-7105