Tsunamis In Canada

The British Columbia coast is the only part of Canada that is at serious risk of experiencing a Tsunami.  Located on the Pacific Coast, between Washington and Alaska, British Columbia does have measures in place in the event of a tsunami.  BC uses a system of Watch, Advisory, and Warning.

Tsunami watch would be triggered by seismic activity occurring.  In the evening of seismic activity, local communities are notified they may be in danger of a Tsunami.  This is the notification that communities should start preparing, and they should implement their emergency plans.  Evacuation is not necessary at this point, but people should start to prepare for that possibility.

Tsunami Advisory are issued when seismic activity has created currents and conditions that could impact coastal areas.  While this does not pose a significant threat to lives and structures, the conditions could become dangerous.  At this point, harbors, marinas, and beaches should be evacuated, and people should avoid the coast.

Tsunami Warnings are issues when there is impending danger to the coast, as well as communities nearby.  All public evacuation plans should be implemented, and all coastal areas must be evacuated.  Coastal roads will be closed, and beach access will be restricted to emergency vehicles.

The threat of tsunamis is always present on the western coast of Canada, due to the 3 intersecting faults.  Currently, the tsunami warning system in BC is managed by the United States Department of Commerce.  British Columbia is included in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which is detects tsunamis and provides notification to all countries along the Pacific Ocean.  The Emergency Management British Columbia is in charge of receiving these alerts, and informing those communities at risk.

http://www.embc.gov.bc.ca/em/hazard_preparedness/Tsunami_Brochure/Prepare_for_Tsunami.html

http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/tsunami/tsunamis_canada.asp