B.C. TSUNAMI NOTIFICATION TION PROCESS PLAN

Transcription

1 B.C. TSUNAMI NOTIFICATION TION PROCESS PLAN

2 Record of Amendment This manual is a living document that may require amendment on a regular basis. Amendment recommendations should be forwarded to the attention of the Seismic Specialist with the British Columbia Provincial Emergency Program (PEP). PEP headquarters will maintain a master record of amendments. Amendments will be controlled by showing the revision date in the footer of any revised page, for example: Revised July 23/08 Chapter 3 1 Use this chart to indicate when and where revisions have been made to your manual: Date this Manual Updated Update to Manual made by Revision made to Chapter / Page Date of actual revision

3 Table of Contents Foreword Chapter 1 Introduction Purpose Scope Plan Organization Types of Tsunamis Chapter 2 Procedures for the Dissemination of Tsunami Bulletins for British Columbia Initial Tsunami Notification Process Provincial Dissemination List Chapter 3 British Columbia Tsunami Bulletins General Content of Initial B.C. Tsunami Bulletin Zone Descriptions for Coastal British Columbia Types of B.C. Tsunami Bulletins Chapter 4 Coordination within British Columbia Roles Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Characteristics of Tsunamis and the Threat to British Columbia i The Tsunami Warning System for the Pacific v Locations of Coastal Communities at Risk ix Tsunami Notification Exercises xv Tsunami Hazard Mitigation xvii Glossary of Abbreviations xxi Glossary of Tsunami Terminology xxiii Legislation xxv References xxvii

4 Copyright 2008 Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Government of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, Canada

5 Foreword Effective response to a tsunami alert requires timely delivery of the notification to agencies with roles and responsibilities in managing such an event. West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center WCATWC B.C. Tsunami Notification process The 2008 BC Tsunami Notification Plan includes the most recent definitions of tsunami notifications from the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WCATWC) in Palmer, Alaska and represents a collaborative approach to the tsunami notification and dissemination process. The Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) would like to thank all of the members of the Tsunami Integrated Preparedness (TIP) working group for their input into this Plan. In particular, we would like to thank Public Safety Canada for co-chairing the working group. The focus and dedication of the TIP working group, which included more than two dozen local, provincial, federal and non-profit agencies, led to the clear identification of the notification roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders and has lead to the enhancement of public safety for British Columbians. Approved by the undersigned, this date, 27 of June, 2008 Cam Filmer Executive Director Provincial Emergency Program Emergency Management BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Province of British Columbia

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7 Chapter 1 Introduction this plan s purpose is to outline the tsunami bulletin process from issuance to dissemination Purpose The purpose of this Tsunami Notification Process Plan is to describe the roles and responsibilities of the different levels of government and the procedures used by federal and provincial agencies to evaluate and distribute tsunami bulletins. It covers the process from the issuance of a tsunami bulletin by the West Coast / Alaska Tsunami Warning Centre (WCATWC) in Palmer, Alaska to the dissemination of a tsunami bulletin from the Provincial Emergency Program to the various local governments, media and key stakeholders. The general public must be aware of actions to take in the event that the Provincial Emergency Notification System (PENS) is activated. An essential element of tsunami planning is public awareness and education. A successful public education program requires continuing and coordinated efforts from all levels of government. this plan is all about notification it does not cover evacuation planning Scope This is a tsunami notification plan. It does not address the detailed actions to be taken by local governments, agencies and individuals who receive tsunami bulletins. Local notification systems and evacuation planning must be incorporated into local emergency plans. The Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) can advise on the preparation of these local plans and has educational material on tsunamis available for distribution. Plan Organization The Tsunami Notification Process Plan has four chapters: Chapter 1 covers the purpose and scope of this document. Chapter 2 reviews B.C. s procedures for dissemination of tsunami notifications and outlines the notification, distribution and dissemination processes. Chapter 3 details each of the B.C. tsunami bulletins. Chapter 4, which reviews the B.C. s notification coordination, was completed with input from each member of the Tsunami Integrated Preparedness (TIP) Working Group. Also, there are numerous appendices to support each chapter including information on tsunami characteristics, the international tsunami warning system, B.C. tsunami risk area maps, communications planning, exercising, mitigation, abbreviations and acronyms, tsunami terminology, legislation, and references for further research and information. Chapter 1 1

8 Types of Tsunamis A zone of extreme seismic activity circles the Pacific Basin from the southernmost reaches of Chile to Alaska in the eastern part of the basin, and from New Zealand through to Japan and the Aleutian Islands in the western part of the basin. This "Ring of Fire," as it has been named by scientists, periodically generates earthquakes that produce large ocean waves called tsunamis that may threaten island and coastal settlements. Tsunamis are a rare but serious threat. Three main types of tsunamis could impact B.C.'s coast: Pacific-wide Tsunami: A Pacific-wide tsunami originates in a location other than coastal North America. The impact to British Columbia will depend on the source distance, magnitude and direction of approach. B.C. arrival times of a Pacific-wide tsunami will be 6 hours to 18 hours, depending upon the place of origin and magnitude. the Ring of Fire the three possible tsunamis that threaten B.C. s coast Regional Tsunami: A regional tsunami originates off coastal North America including the area from the Aleutian Islands or to southern California, excluding the Cascadia subduction zone. Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, is the principle source area for regional tsunamis affecting B.C. The time to reach the northern B.C. coast can be less than one hour or as many as 5 hours. In 1964 a regional tsunami impacted the B.C. coast, causing significant damage to several communities. Local Tsunami: A local tsunami will be generated from a large subduction earthquake along the Cascadia subduction zone. For this event, Zone C (exposed west coast) would be the most affected area in B.C. There is also potential for a local tsunami to be generated from earthquakes occurring in inner waters such as Juan de Fuca Strait, the Strait of Georgia or Puget Sound, or from submarine slides in areas such as the Strait of Georgia. Because travel time for any local tsunami is so short, very little can be done to provide warnings for the closest B.C. coastal areas. In designated coastal areas, anyone in coastal locations who feels strong shaking from an earthquake for more than one minute should assume that a tsunami has been generated and should immediately move to high ground. local tsunamis hit fast! warnings may not be possible Chapter 1 2

9 Chapter 2 Procedures for the Dissemination of Tsunami Bulletins for British Columbia Initial Tsunami Notification Process Tsunami bulletins for British Columbia are issued by the WCATWC located in Palmer, Alaska. That information is transmitted to the Provincial Emergency Program Headquarters in Victoria. Upon receipt of a tsunami bulletin, PEP immediately contacts technical experts from the Canadian Hydrographic Service of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to provide a B.C.- specific risk assessment. Upon request, the WCATWC will distribute tsunami bulletins directly to local governments, agencies, media and the general public. On behalf of the Province, PEP issues B.C.-specific tsunami information to all levels of government, media and key stakeholders. It is likely that the first bulletin from PEP will be a rebroadcast of the initial bulletin from WCATWC without any assessment attached. Subsequent notifications will contain assessment information as it becomes available. Provincial Dissemination List PEP disseminates B.C. Tsunami Bulletins to the following agencies. These agencies may disseminate these bulletins through their individual networks: BC Ambulance Service BC Ferries BC Parks Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Hydrographic Service (CHS), Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Department of National Defence (DND) E Division, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Environment Canada First Nations communities First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Industry Canada Local governments Media Ministry of Health Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Navigation Canada (NAVCAN) Parks Canada Public Safety Canada (PSC) Regional Health Authorities Utilities Chapter 2 1

10 To ensure successful notification, PEP uses a variety of dissemination methods, including telephone, pager, fax, and web postings. Additionally, some stakeholders will rebroadcast tsunami information by other means (i.e., marine radio, amateur radio and weather radio). Because of the complexity and redundancy of the notification process, some recipients will receive tsunami notifications a number of different ways and possibly from one of the agencies listed above. The objective is that each recipient receives the message at least once. dissemination methods objective is to get the notification out Chapter 2 2

11 Chapter 3 British Columbia Tsunami Bulletins initial WCATWC bulletin issued to PEP will most likely be a fast and straight re-broadcast to the agencies subsequent bulletins from PEP will contain B.C. specific information General Should a tsunami bulletin be issued by WCATWC, it is likely that the first B.C. Tsunami Bulletin from PEP will be a rebroadcast of the initial bulletin without any B.C. specific assessment attached. Subsequent B.C. Tsunami Bulletins will contain assessment information as it becomes available. Provincial Emergency Program staff will extract information from WCATWC bulletins and, in consultation with the Canadian Hydrographic Service, will generate a B.C. Tsunami Bulletin. This bulletin will be disseminated to local governments, stakeholder agencies and media in the form of B.C. Tsunami Bulletins. The first bulletin will be issued as quickly as possible, followed by sequentially numbered bulletins as further information is received. Content of Initial B.C. Tsunami Bulletin If possible, the initial bulletin should contain the following information: brief description of the event whether or not it is known that a tsunami has been generated, and the zone(s) of the B.C. coastline placed in: Warning status Advisory status Watch status It may also contain the following information: actions to be taken in zones placed in: Warning status Advisory status Watch status estimated time of arrival and height of the first wave, and any additional special instructions the low-risk coastal areas Zone Descriptions for Coastal British Columbia The greatest risk of a tsunami is to the exposed coastal areas of B.C. It is generally accepted by scientific and technical experts that Victoria, eastern Vancouver Island, Vancouver and the Lower Mainland are considered low risk areas for a Pacific-wide tsunami. Chapter 3 1

12 It is important to know that WCATWC bulletins refer to B.C. coastal areas in terms of breakpoints. For information specific to the WCATWC breakpoints, see Appendix B or visit website: To ensure all B.C. communities receive appropriate tsunami messaging, the Provincial Emergency Program has divided coastal B.C. into five (5) zones. See Appendix C for detailed maps of each zone. Each designated zone includes all islands and inlets within the location descriptive. breakpoints communities MUST know their designated zone... there are five zones (A E) Zone A: Beginning at the Alaska/B.C. border near Stewart, B.C., south along the coastline to the southern tip of Banks Island, including the Queen Charlotte Islands. Zone B: Beginning at the southern tip of Banks Island to the northern tip of Vancouver Island (the western limit of the eastern boundary of Cape Scott Provincial Park). This zone has a southern limit of a line running from the convergence of the Sitka River and Johnstone Strait (in Robson Bight Provincial Park) on Vancouver Island in the south to the most eastern point of Broughton Island in the north. Zone C: Beginning at the eastern boundary of Cape Scott Provincial Park on the northern tip of Vancouver Island and running in a south-easterly direction along the outer coast of Vancouver Island to Sombrio Point southeast of Port Renfrew. Zone D: Beginning at Sombrio Point southeast of Port Renfrew and running in a northerly direction to the most northerly point of the Saanich Peninsula. Zone E: Beginning at the most northerly point of the Saanich Peninsula, including Brentwood Bay and all the Gulf Islands within the Georgia Basin. The northerly limit runs from the convergence of the Sitka River and Johnstone Strait (in Robson Bight Provincial Park) on Vancouver Island in the south to the most eastern point of Broughton Island. Chapter 3 2

13 the six types of tsunami bulletins, listed high to low: 1) Warning 2) Advisory 3) Watch 4) Information 5) Cancellation 6) All Clear Types of B.C. Tsunami Bulletins Once PEP receives a WCATWC bulletin, PEP contacts the Canadian Hydrographic Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to obtain a B.C. specific assessment of the information to determine if B.C. coastal areas may be threatened. Information is issued to local governments, First Nations, stakeholder agencies and the media. PEP issues B.C. Tsunami Bulletins based on threat levels for the 5 zones. It is critical that communities know and recognize their designated zone. Definitions of the six types of tsunami bulletins that are issued in B.C. are provided on the following pages with examples of B.C. specific messages. From the highest to the lowest threat, the messages are Warning, Advisory, Watch, Information, Cancellation and All Clear. WCATWC periodically reviews and updates the messages. PEP will update this plan accordingly. The message definitions below are current as of spring To find the most recent WCATWC tsunami notification message definitions, check the WCATWC website at: Chapter 3 3

14 1Tsunami Warning The highest level of tsunami alert. Warnings are issued by the Tsunami Warning Centres (TWC) due to the imminent threat of a tsunami from a large undersea earthquake, or following confirmation that a potentially destructive tsunami is underway. They may initially be based only on seismic information as a means of providing the earliest possible alert. Warnings advise that appropriate actions be taken in response to the tsunami threat. Such actions could include the evacuation of low-lying coastal areas and the movement of boats and ships out of harbors to deep waters. Warnings are updated at least hourly or as conditions warrant to continue, expand, restrict, or end the Warning. highest bulletin level... imminent threat or confirmation of destructive tsunami underway TSUNAMI WARNING THIS IS AN IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL EMERGENCY PROGRAM BC BULLETIN NUMBER A LARGE SEISMIC EVENT HAS OCCURRED IN THE PACIFIC BASIN AND A TSUNAMI WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED. THE FOLLOWING ZONES ARE PLACED IN WARNING STATUS: 1. ZONE A THE NORTH COAST INCLUDING STEWART AND SOUTHWARD ALONG THE COASTLINE TO THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BANKS ISLAND, INCLUDING THE QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS 2. ZONE B THE CENTRAL COAST FROM THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BANKS ISLAND WESTWARD TO THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF CAPE SCOTT PROVINCIAL PARK ON THE NORTHERN TIP OF VANCOUVER ISLAND A ND SOUTH THROUGH QUEEN CHARLOTTE STRAIT TO THE MOST EASTERN POINT OF BROUGHTON ISLAND 3. ZONE C THE EXPOSED WEST COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND FROM CAPE SCOTT PROVINCIAL PARK ON THE NOTHERN TIP OF VANCOUVER ISLAND SOUTH ALONG THE WESTERN COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND TO SOMBRIO POINT INCLUDING INLETS NO WATCH OR WARNING CURRENTLY EXISTS FOR ZONES D or E. LOW-LYING COASTAL AREAS IN THE WARNING ZONES ARE AT RISK OF BEING IMPACTED BY A TSUNAMI. LOCAL AUTHORITIES ARE ADVISED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO EVACUATE A T-RISK AREAS. THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AT (time) (date) Chapter 3 4

15 2Tsunami Advisory 2nd highest bulletin level... tsunami may produce potentially strong currents dangerous to those in or near water The second highest level of tsunami alert. Advisories are issued due to the threat of a tsunami that has the potential to produce strong currents dangerous to those in or near the water. Significant inundation is not expected for areas under Advisory but coastal zones prone to damage due to strong currents may be at risk. Appropriate actions by emergency management personnel may include closing beaches and evacuating harbours and marinas. Additionally, local officials may opt to move boats out of harbors to deep waters, if there is time to safely do so. TSUNAMI ADVISORY THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL EMERGENCY PROGRAM BC BULLETIN NUMBER THERE IS A POTENTIAL THREAT OF A TSUNAMI THAT COULD PRODUCE STRONG CURRENTS DANGEROUS TO THOSE IN OR NEAR THE WATER. SIGNIFICANT INUNDATION I S NOT EXPECTED BUT WAVES UP TO 2 METRES PEAK-TO-TROUGH MAY BE EXPEREINCED IN LOCALIZED AREAS. NO WATCH OR WARNING IS IN PLACE FOR COASTAL BC. APPROPRIATE ACTIONS BY LOCAL OFFICIALS MAY INCLUDE CLOSING BEACHES AND EVACUATING HARBOURS AND MARINAS. LOCAL OFFICIALS MAY OPT TO MOVE BOATS OUT OF HARBOURS TO DEEP WATERS, WHEN THERE IS TIME TO DO SO SAFELY. THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AT (time) (date) Chapter 3 5

16 3Tsunami Watch The third highest level of tsunami alert. Watches are an advance alert for emergency management personnel and coastal residents that a Warning has been issued for another zone or adjacent jurisdiction, and that the Watch zone may be upgraded to a Warning. There is a potential threat to a zone contained in a Watch but communities have time to prepare. Watches are normally based on seismic information, without confirmation that a destructive tsunami is underway. Emergency management personnel and coastal residents should prepare to take action in case the Watch is upgraded. Based on analysis of the event, the Watch will be upgraded to a Warning or Advisory prior to impact, or will be cancelled. 3rd highest bulletin level... alerts a Warning has been issued to another zone or adjacent jurisdiction TSUNAMI WATCH THIS IS AN IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL EMERGENCY PROGRAM BC BULLETIN NUMBER A LARGE SEISMIC EVENT HAS OCCURRED IN THE PACIFIC BASIN AND A TSUNAMI WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED. THE FOLLOWING ZONES ARE PLACED IN WATCH STATUS: 1. ZONE A THE NORTH COAST INCLUDING STEWART AND SOUTHWARD ALONG THE COASTLINE TO THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BANKS ISLAND, INCLUDING THE QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS 2. ZONE C THE EXPOSED WEST COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND FROM CAPE SCOTT PROVINCIAL PARK ON THE NOTHERN TIP OF VANCOUVER ISLAND SOUTH ALONG THE WESTERN COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND TO SOMBRIO POINT, INCLUDING INLETS NO WATCH OR WARNING CURRENTLY EXISTS FOR ZONES B, D or E. AT THIS TIME IT IS UNKNOWN IF COASTAL BC WILL BE IMPACTED BY A TSUNAMI. LOCAL AUTHORITIES ARE ADVISED TO ACTIVATE THEIR EMERGENCY PLANS AND STANDBY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AT (time) (date) Chapter 3 6

17 4Information Statement a low-level bulletin... informs of an earthquake occurrence though no tsunami threat to B.C. Information Statements inform that an earthquake has occurred and that there is no threat of a destructive tsunami affecting Coastal B.C. Information Statements are used to prevent unnecessary evacuations when an earthquake felt in coastal areas has a magnitude that may raise concern about a possible tsunami. TSUNAMI INFORMATION THIS IS AN IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL EMERGENCY PRO GRAM THIS IS THE ONLY BULLETIN THAT WILL BE ISSUED FOR THIS EVENT. A LARGE SEISMIC EVENT HAS OCCURRED IN. COASTAL BC WILL NOT BE IMPACTED BY A POSSIBLE TSUNAMI GENERATED BY THIS EARTHQUAKE. NO WATCH OR WARNING EXISTS FOR COASTAL BC. THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AT (time) (date) Chapter 3 7

18 5Tsunami Cancellation A Tsunami Cancellation Bulletin cancels any previously issued bulletins when no tsunami has been generated. This bulletin will be the last bulletin PEP will issue for this event. cancels previous bulletins... no tsunami generated TSUNAMI CANCELLATION THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL EMERGENCY PROGRAM BC BULLETIN NUMBER IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT NO TSUNAMI WAVE WILL IMPACT C OASTAL BC. ALL PREVIOUSLY ISSUED TSUNAMI WARNINGS AND WATCHES ARE CANCELLED. THIS WILL BE THE LAST BULLETIN ISSUED FOR THIS EVENT. THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AT (time) (date). Chapter 3 8

19 6Tsunami All Clear lowest level bulletin... informs no further tsunami waves expected A Tsunami All Clear is issued when coastal B.C. has experienced a tsunami wave(s) and the threat of further tsunami waves has passed. Local governments and other agencies may issue an All Clear in accordance with their own emergency plans. An All Clear is not an instruction for residents to return to evacuated areas, but is a bulletin informing that no further tsunami waves are expected. This will be the last bulletin issued by PEP for an actual tsunami event that impacts coastal B.C. TSUNAMI ALL CLEAR THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL EMERGENCY PROGRAM BC BULLETIN NUMBER THE TSUNAMI THREAT TO COASTAL BC IS ENDED AND NO FURTHER WAVES ARE EXPECTED. LOCAL AUTHORITIES MAY DECLARE AN ALL CLEAR AT THEIR OWN DISCRETION. IF COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY A T SUNAMI WAVE, THE LOCAL AUTHORITY SHOULD BEGIN DAMAGE ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES AND RESTRICT ACCESS TO THE DAMAGED AREAS UNTIL IT IS DETERMINED THAT THE AREA IS SAFE. THIS WILL BE THE LAST BULLETIN ISSUED. THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED AT (time) (da te) Chapter 3 9

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21 Roles Chapter 4 Coordination within British Columbia Within B.C., numerous agencies and all levels of government have roles and/or responsibilities in the tsunami alerting and warning process. Following are specific stakeholder roles: modes of bulletin distribution B.C. integrated response system media broadcasts updates Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Emergency Management BC Provincial Emergency Program (PEP), Receive initial tsunami bulletin from the WCATWC. Contact the Canadian Hydrographic Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to obtain a B.C.-specific assessment of the information to determine if B.C. coastal areas may be threatened. Prepare and distribute an initial B.C. Tsunami Bulletin to media, local governments, federal agencies, First Nations, police, provincial government ministries, other key stakeholders and Washington State emergency management authorities. Distribute B.C. Tsunami Bulletins to all stakeholders via the Provincial Emergency Notification System (PENS). Methods may include, but are not limited to interactive voice response (IVR) system, telephone, pager, fax, , amateur radio and/or a combination of these. Concurrently, activate B.C. integrated response system as necessary to alert appropriate PEP staff, activate Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Centres (PREOCs) and the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre (PECC). Liaise with local governments and emergency organizations, and keep senior provincial officials informed. Advise media and request tsunami bulletins and any other prepared messaging are broadcast to the public through available media outlets. Provide media spokesperson. Continue receiving information from the WCATWC and working with the Canadian Hydrographic Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to prepare additional B.C. Tsunami Bulletins. Distribute additional bulletins as new information becomes available. Chapter 4 1

22 Provide ongoing tsunami overview information and updates, information on the activation of the provincial emergency management structure, and any additional resources being provided to assist local government. Post all information to the PEP website and update as new information becomes available. Be prepared with messaging to respond to phone enquiries about tsunami status. Through the PEP Emergency Coordination Centre, maintain lists of 24/7 contact information for all agencies, media and coastal communities. B.C. Parks Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. Local park staff may also receive notification through local governments. Activate an Emergency Coordination Centre Use available resources (i.e., helicopters) to ensure the safety of visitors and to assist in the evacuation as required. Assist as required in the notification and evacuation of people outside the park area. Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from the WCATWC and immediately broadcast the message as per below. Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Centre in Prince Rupert acts as primary link. Comox MCTS Centre acts as secondary link. After receiving a B.C. Tsunami Bulletin from PEP, MCTS will rebroadcast to MCTS stations, the Regional Marine Information Centre (RMIC), the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) and the CCG Regional Operations Centre (ROC) via SAR 1709 internal circuit, and to Coast Guard light stations via Alen circuit. All tsunami-related messages for general marine traffic will be designated URGENT and broadcast after 10 minutes of receipt at a centre. All messages will be specific to ships at sea only. Messages are also placed on the Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) ahead of the forecast and weather information: VAC Comox will transmit on VHF 16; and CMB and DSC VAE Tofino will transmit on Navtex 518: 2182kHz; 4125kHz; VHF 16, CMB and DSC VAK Victoria will transmit on VHF 16; and CMB and DSC VAJ Prince Rupert will transmit on 2182kHz; 4125kHz; VHF 16, CMB and DSC VAS Vancouver will transmit on VHF 16. all info posted to PEP website: park visitor safety and evacuation messages to general at sea marine traffic continuous marine broadcasting via Comox, Tofino, Victoria, Prince Rupert and Vancouver Chapter 4 2

23 bulletins rebroadcast to Coast Guard and search and rescue stations ocean and tidal conditions contingency planning B.C.-based Canadian Forces activities police / RCMP activate emergency operation plan ROC, in conjunction with JRCC, will rebroadcast B.C. Tsunami Bulletins received from MCTS/RMIC to all CCG vessels and to search and rescue stations along the B.C. coast until a Cancellation or All Clear has been broadcast. Between 0630hrs and 1830hrs, ROC will rebroadcast B.C. Tsunami Bulletins to CCG vessels and stations. Between 1830hrs and 0630hrs, JRCC will rebroadcast B.C. Tsunami Bulletins to CCG search and rescue stations; RMIC will advise the Duty ROC Operations Officer who will rebroadcast B.C. Tsunami Bulletins to CCG vessels. Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), Fisheries and Oceans Canada Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. Apply local and actual ocean and tidal conditions to data contained in tsunami bulletins to determine if there is a significant threat to coastal communities, vessels and float planes. Liaise with PEP and provide anticipated wave height information, and actual wave arrival times and wave heights at B.C. coastal tidal gauges. Department of National Defence (DND) Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. The Commander of Joint Task Force Pacific (JTFP) will provide a Liaison Officer to the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre (PECC) to assist in contingency planning and the JTFP Joint Operations Centre (JOC) will maintain communications and situational awareness with the PECC. The Commander of JTFP will be responsible for informing and directing the activities of all Canadian Forces bases, stations, assets and personnel in B.C. The JTFP JOC will advise the Rescue Coordination Centre (Victoria) which is co-located with JTFP headquarters. "E" Division, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Communications Centre, Vancouver Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. Rebroadcast B.C. Tsunami Bulletins received from PEP to all RCMP detachments and/or RCMP Operational Communication Centres and Municipal Police Departments in affected coastal areas. RCMP detachments in affected areas will activate their Emergency Operations Plan. To avoid duplication of efforts, the RCMP Detachment Emergency Operation Plan will operate in accordance with local governments within their jurisdiction, in areas where mutually agreed upon plans are in place. Chapter 4 3

24 Environment Canada Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. The Pacific Storm Prediction Centre of Environment Canada will, on instruction from PEP, use Weatheradio to rebroadcast pre-scripted tsunami messages in both English and French, triggering the automatic activation of special radio receivers within range of the Weatheradio signal that have been programmed to respond to tsunami messages. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. Coordinate with First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) and work with them to support all local activities. Maintain a list of up-to-date emergency contact information and share it with PEP and other emergency response agencies. Ensure contact information used by PEP in tsunami notifictions is current. Work with PEP and local governments to provide regular status reports to Chiefs and Councils, and to the community as a whole. Liaise between the First Nations community, PEP, local governments, and other emergency response agencies. Work with PEP to provide accurate, relevant reports to assist in future decision-making. When/if PEP activates a PREOC or when/if a local government activates an EOC, provide liaison between the PREOC/EOC and affected First Nation community(s). Local Government Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. Alert and inform additional local governments as specified in local plans. Alert populations in the manner specified in local plans. Populations include outlying businesses and other emergency agencies that fall within local jurisdictions. First responders, emergency officials and elected officials at the local level prepare and distribute tsunami updates to the public through their local media about their specific circumstances and activities (e.g., evacuation orders). Local emergency information may include how to prepare to evacuate, what routes to take, where to go, how to register whereabouts, etc. Contact local media radio and television and request that they broadcast local information verbatim on a regular basis as it is supplied. Weatheradio to rebroadcast tsunami messages in French and English ensure action plan in place and provide regular status reports to tsunami-vulnerable First Nations alert the population and agencies within local jurisdiction Chapter 4 4

25 ensure orderly evacuations respond to phone enquiries activate emergency operations and reception centres the broadcast of cancellation or all clear bulletins support health needs of communities potential tsunamigenic earthquakes alert float aircraft Work closely with the supporting RCMP detachment and/or municipal police to ensure orderly evacuations (as necessary) and adequate coverage of areas and to avoid duplication of effort. Be prepared with messaging to respond to phone enquiries about tsunami status. Activate an emergency operations centre as necessary. Activate reception centres as necessary. Media: Radio and Television Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. Broadcast B.C. Tsunami Bulletins and any other prepared messaging as received and as requested by PEP or local governments on a regular basis to affected areas. When provided, broadcast Cancellation or All Clear messages. Ministry of Health Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. Contact the Medical Health Officer, hospital switchboard, Health Authority Director and Executive, and local managers, and prepare to activate Disaster Emergency Response Team (DERT) as necessary to support the health needs of communities. This is based on Vancouver Island Health Authority procedures. Other regional Health Authorities throughout B.C. may modify the process to suit their organizational structures. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. The Geological Survey of Canada is available on a 24-hour basis to provide advice on potentially tsunamigenic earthquakes. Navigation Canada (NAVCAN), Vancouver International Airport Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. Will rebroadcast all B.C. Tsunami Bulletins to float aircraft operating in affected areas along the B.C. coast. Parks Canada Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. All National Parks on the B.C. coast receive tsunami notifications from the Parks Canada 24-hour dispatch located in Jasper National Park, Alberta. The dispatch receives B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. Chapter 4 5

26 Once a B.C. Tsunami Bulletin has been received, the Warden Service section will use available resources to ensure the safety of its visitors and to evacuate people as required. In addition to being responsible for the safety of visitors and staff within a Parks Canada boundary, Parks staff may also assist other agencies in and outside the park during an emergency. Public Safety Canada (PSC) Receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP. The Government Operations Centre (GOC) in Ottawa and the Regional Office (RO) in Victoria receive B.C. Tsunami Bulletins from PEP and WCATWC, and distribute notices and reports as appropriate to other federal departments and agencies other than those identified in this plan. The Federal Coordination Centre in Victoria will open on a 24/7 basis, coordinate other federal departments and agency responses to the event and provide a liaison officer to the PECC when it is activated. ensure safety of park visitors and evacuate as required federal departments and agencies Chapter 4 6

27 Appendix A Characteristics of Tsunamis and the Threat to British Columbia Tsunamis and Their Causes A tsunami is a series of ocean waves generated by the sudden displacement of large volumes of water by thrust-type submarine earthquakes, submarine volcanic eruptions, slumps or coastal landslides. Underwater earthquakes are the most frequent cause of tsunamis, but not all major coastal or near-coastal earthquakes produce tsunamis. At present there is no method to determine if a tsunami has been generated by an earthquake except to note the magnitude and location of the epicentre, and then detect the arrival of characteristic tsunami waves at a network of tidal stations and buoys in the open ocean that respond by a satellite link. On December 26, 2004, a magnitude 9.1 earthquake, the fourth largest earthquake in the world since 1900 (and the largest since 1964), generated a tsunami that crossed into the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It was recorded in New Zealand and along the west and east coasts of South and North America and caused more casualties than any other tsunami in recorded history. In total, more than 283,000 people were killed, thousands were listed as missing, and more than 1,127,000 were displaced by the earthquake and tsunami in ten countries in South Asia and East Africa. Here on the west coast of North America, tsunamis are usually categorized as local, regional or Pacific-wide, depending on the size of the area affected. Pacific-wide tsunamis are rare but have great destructive potential because the waves can be large and impact many coastal areas. For example, a tsunami on May 22, 1960, spread death and destruction across the Pacific Ocean from Chile to Hawaii, Japan and the Philippines. Regional tsunamis, although still rare, are most common. The areas affected are smaller than those of Pacific-wide tsunamis. The regional tsunami that originated off the Philippines on August 16, 1976, and killed approximately 8,000 people is an example. Local tsunamis are often caused by local earthquakes, submarine or coastal landslides, and volcanic explosions. An example is the tsunami of July 9, 1958, at Lituya Bay, Alaska, where wave run-up exceeded 525 metres but the destruction was confined to a very small area. APPENDICES - i

28 Characteristics of Tsunamis Tsunamis travel outward in all directions from the source area. Their speed depends on the depth of water, and the waves undergo accelerations or decelerations while passing over the ocean bottom's varying depths. In the deep and open ocean they can reach speeds of more than 800 kilometres per hour with the distance between waves being as great as 650 kilometres. The height of the waves may range from 30 to 60 centimetres, producing only a gentle rise and fall of the sea surface. These waves will not be noticed by ships or aircraft. As waves enter the shoaling (shallow) waters along a coastline, their speed diminishes, their height increases and the waves become closer together. The shape of the coastline and the ocean floor are important factors in the destruction caused. A wave may be very small at one point on a coast and much larger at other points. Sounds and inlets have a funnelling effect that increases the height of tsunami waves. There are many indications that a tsunami has been generated. One may be a recession of water caused by the trough coming before the wave. Conversely, a rise in water level may be the first event. Finally, under certain conditions the crest of an on-coming wave may overtake the preceding trough while some distance offshore, which will cause the wave to proceed shoreward as a bore-a wave with a churning front. The force and destructive effects of tsunamis should not be underestimated. At some locations, the advancing turbulent front will be the most destructive part of the wave. In other locations, the greatest damage will be caused by the outflow of water back to the sea between waves. In this situation the wave will gather all debris in its path and can undermine roads, buildings and other infrastructure. Ships, unless moved away from shore, may be pushed against breakwaters, wharves and other craft, or washed ashore and left grounded after the withdrawal of seawater. APPENDICIES - ii

29 The Threat to British Columbia The areas in British Columbia most vulnerable to distant tsunamis are the inlets along the west coasts of Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands, and the mainland coast between the southern tip of the Queen Charlotte Islands and the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Pacific-wide Tsunamis: The effects on the B.C. coast of a Pacific-wide tsunami (one that does not originate along the coasts of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon or California) may be negligible or severe, depending on the magnitude and location of the earthquake and the direction of approach. The time required for a Pacific-wide tsunami to reach the B.C. coast will vary between approximately 6 to 18 hours, depending on its place of origin. Regional Tsunamis: As part of the Tsunami Warning System, B.C. is included in the WCATWC area of responsibility, which is a region extending from the western tip of the Aleutian Islands to the southern tip of California. Because of this region's vast coastal area, tsunamis generated within it will impact locations differently. In some cases only local effects will be experienced. Regional tsunamis affecting B.C. will mostly be generated by earthquakes located in Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands. This is due to the direction the wave will travel and the potential for large earthquakes in this area. The travel time for a tsunami generated in this region will be from less than one hour to approximately five hours. The well-documented tsunami generated in Prince William Sound, Alaska on March 27, 1964, caused 107 deaths in Alaska and more than $84 million in damage. Destruction outside Alaska caused an additional 15 deaths and $21 million property damage, including $5 million at Port Alberni, B.C., where the maximum wave height was 4.1 metres. It is important to note that this example, and the destruction caused to the B.C. coast, is considered by scientists to be the worst-case scenario for a regionally produced tsunami. Local Tsunamis: Local tsunamis may be caused by earthquakes occurring off the B.C. coast or in inner waters, such as Juan de Fuca Strait, the Strait of Georgia, or Puget Sound. These tsunamis would affect a localized area of British Columbia. Although extremely rare, the potential also exists for a local tsunami to be so large that it becomes a Pacific-wide tsunami (a matter of concern for other APPENDICES - iii

30 nations) and one that introduces the problem of minimal warning time before it reaches land in British Columbia. The greatest damage to B.C. coastal areas would result from a large subduction earthquake in the northern portion of the Cascadia subduction zone that extends approximately 100 kilometres seaward of the outer coast. The areas that will be most affected by a Cascadia subduction zone rupture are along the west coast of Vancouver Island, which is very close to the subduction zone. Based on worst-case estimates, wave heights of up to 9 metres could occur, with the first arrivals in one-half hour or less. The Strait of Georgia, sheltered by Vancouver Island, would be impacted with sea-level changes of approximately 1 to 2 metres. Around the Vancouver area, wave heights are expected to be about 1 metre. However, if a tsunami took place at high tide, there would be flooding in low-lying areas. Local tsunamis may also be caused by underwater landslides in areas such as the Strait of Georgia for example, the underwater slide that occurred in Kitimaat Inlet in April These can occur independently or in association with an earthquake. Little can be done to warn of local tsunamis because their travel time is so short. If a large earthquake occurs (shaking for more than one minute, making it difficult to stand), people living in coastal areas must assume that a tsunami could be generated, and react accordingly. British Columbia Tsunami Damage Pictures The following photographs were taken on March 27 and 28, 1964, following the tsunami at Port Alberni, B.C. Residents received enough warning to allow an evacuation and there were no fatalities. APPENDICIES - iv

31 General Appendix B The Tsunami Warning System for the Pacific Following an extremely destructive tsunami that struck Hawaii in 1946, the Pacific Tsunami Warning System was established. The operational centre for the Pacific Tsunami Warning System is located at Ewa Beach, Hawaii. The Pacific Tsunami Warning System, which includes most of the nations bordering the Pacific Ocean, operates a number of seismic, tidal, communications, and dissemination facilities that are equipped to: detect and locate major earthquakes occurring in the Pacific Basin determine whether or not tsunamis have been generated provide timely and effective information and warnings to minimize tsunami effects Management of the Pacific Tsunami Warning System is the responsibility of the US Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which funds about 75 per cent of the detection and reporting equipment and the personnel to operate them. The Canadian Hydrographic Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada operate tidal gauges that detect wave arrivals in B.C. The B.C. Provincial Emergency Program operates the equipment necessary to receive warnings applicable to British Columbia, and develops procedures to give people the warning they need to survive a tsunami that originates far from our shores. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) The PTWC, located at Ewa Beach, Hawaii, is the operational centre for the Tsunami Warning System for the Pacific. It collects and evaluates information provided by participating countries and issues bulletins about the occurrence of major earthquakes and possible or confirmed tsunamis. APPENDICES - v

32 Earthquake information is provided to the PTWC from a number of seismic stations located throughout the Pacific. Tsunami information is provided from tidal stations that register tsunami waves and their heights. Seismic information is received almost instantly, but tsunami information is slower because it depends on the arrival of tsunami waves at the tidal stations. Tsunami warnings issued by the PTWC are in the form of Warning, Advisory and/or Watch Bulletins, which are issued on the basis of seismic information only. When an earthquake of sufficient magnitude has occurred in a tsunamigenic area, a Warning, Advisory and/or Watch Bulletin is issued without waiting for confirmatory data from tidal stations. Currently, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is the sole provider of Tsunami Information Bulletins and Tsunami Warning Advisory and/or Watch Bulletins for the Pacific Basin other than for Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WCATWC) When the tsunami associated with the great Alaskan earthquake of 1964 occurred, PTWC was able to pass warning to the West Coast of North America in time to initiate action in areas such as Port Alberni, B.C., which received significant wave damage. However, recognizing that Alaskan communities would have benefited from faster warning in that local event, a second warning centre, the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (ATWC), was established at Palmer, Alaska. In 1982 the ATWC's area of responsibility was changed to include the west coast of North America, including British Columbia's entire coast. Renamed the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WCATWC), the centre's objective is to detect and locate major earthquakes in the Alaskan region and along the West Coast of Canada and the United States. WCATWC, regardless of the location of an earthquake, will provide Tsunami Information, Warning, Advisory, Watch, Information and Cancellation Bulletins for the area of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. The tsunami warning system has remote seismic stations and tide gauge stations in Alaska and along the West Coast of Canada and the United States. Tide gauges are located at Bamfield, Winter Harbour and Langara Island, and a number of seismological stations in Western Canada are operated by the Geological Survey of Canada's Pacific Geoscience Centre in Sidney, B.C. Details about the warning system based on WCATWC, and all earthquake/tsunami messages processed by the WCATWC can be found on their website at When a significant earthquake occurs in any tsunamigenic area between Kamchatka, Russia and the southern tip of California, the WCATWC will APPENDICIES - vi

33 immediately issue the appropriate notification bulletin, placing certain portions of the coast in Warning, Advisory and/or Watch status. The threshold magnitude for the issuance of bulletins varies from area to area, and continues to be refined over time. The length of coastline alerted will vary with the magnitude and location of a specific earthquake. Warning Area Breakpoints The Entire B.C. Coastline: When the coastline from the Cape Flattery, Washington breakpoint north to the Sitka, Alaska breakpoint has been placed in either Warning, Advisory and/or Watch status, the area will be described as "The Queen Charlotte Islands and the coastline from Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island north to Stewart on the Alaska border." NOTE: Coastal areas bordered by Juan de Fuca Strait and the Strait of Georgia will not be included in bulletins. These areas will be affected by local tsunamis only, and in such circumstances there will be insufficient time to prepare bulletins. To assist in identifying areas of the coastline placed in Warning, Advisory or Watch status, a number of geographical breakpoints have been established, from Attu, Alaska south to the California-Mexico border as follows: Attu, AK Adak, AK Nikolski, AK Dutch Harbor, AK Sand Point, AK Kodiak, AK Seward, AK Cordova, AK Yakutat, AK Sitka, AK Langara Island, BC Northern Tip Vancouver Island, BC Cape Flattery, WA Point Grenville, WA Clatsop Spit, OR Cascade Head, OR Cape Blanco, OR Oregon-California Border Cape Mendocino, CA Point Arena, CA Point Sur, CA Point Reyes, CA Point Conception, CA California-Mexico Border Breakpoints will be referred to in WCATWC Tsunami Warning/Watch Bulletins to clarify the areas being placed in Warning or Watch status. For example: A Tsunami Warning is issued for the area from Sand Point, AK, along the south coast of Alaska to Langara Island, B.C. A Tsunami Watch is issued for the area from Nikolski, AK, to Sand Point, AK, and for the area along the British Columbia coast from Langara Island, B.C., and the Washington coast to Point Grenville, WA. A Tsunami Warning is issued for the area from Langara Island, B.C., south along the Washington coast to Point Grenville, WA. The coastline between two breakpoints will be placed in Warning or Watch status, but never both. APPENDICES - vii

34 Occasionally breakpoints will be changed or updated. For the most up-to-date information on WCATWC breakpoints, see: Dissemination Agencies To limit the number of agencies that must be contacted, bulletins are formally issued to only one agency per country, territory, or administrative area, although the WCATWC also informally issues bulletins to an agency or person who requests notification. The Provincial Emergency Program, British Columbia's designated dissemination agency for B.C. Tsunami Bulletins issued by the WCATWC, is referred to as such in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Communication Plan for the Tsunami Warning System. PEP has the responsibility to ensure that tsunami information is received from the WCATWC and evaluated by federal technical experts. Based on this evaluation, PEP provides recommendations on the actions to be taken by local governments in B.C.'s coastal areas. Types of WCATWC Messages See Chapter 3 of this plan or visit the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center Operations Manual at: Communication within the WCATWC Area WCATWC uses a variety of communications methods to distribute tsunami messages. The PEP Emergency Coordination Centre can receive messages via: satellite-(noaa) Weather Wire system by NAWAS phone and facsimile the Internet (the latest message is displayed at Messages are also sent via U.S. Department of Defense facilities. The Canadian Department of Defence can receive this traffic and serves as a backup or alternate communications route in the event that PEP cannot receive messages. Examples of other types of messages can be seen on the WCATWC website at APPENDICIES - viii

35 Maps of B.C. Tsunami Zones Appendix C Locations of Coastal Communities at Risk Designated B.C. tsunami zones are shown on the following maps. All Zones It is important that all communities, media and individuals become familiar with the zone they are in so emergency information can be understood and appropriate precautions or actions taken. APPENDICES - ix

36 Zone A APPENDICIES - x

37 Zone B APPENDICES - xi

38 Zone C APPENDICIES - xii

39 Zone D APPENDICES - xiii

40 Zone E APPENDICIES - xiv

41 General Appendix D Tsunami Notification Exercises As with any emergency response system, it is critical to regularly exercise and test tsunami notification systems to ensure they function well in a real emergency. All emergency response agencies and all levels of government should conduct regular exercises to ensure contact information is up-to-date, emergency responders are familiar with their roles and responsibilities, equipment is in good working order, and the processes in place will provide critical information to communities, media and other response agencies. Exercises do not have to be onerous tasks. They can be as small as an internal test of procedures and systems to train staff, or they can be expanded to include other agencies in a tabletop or functional exercise. PEP conducts tsunami notification exercises in a variety of formats. Many of these exercises test and validate internal processes and equipment and ensure contact information is accurate. Others use a more inclusive approach that involves communities, media and other response agencies and asks them to provide feedback. When conducting any type of tsunami notification exercise, it is essential to ensure that all documentation is clearly identified as "EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE" and that telephone and/or radio transmissions are prefaced with "THIS IS AN EXERCISE, NOT A REAL TSUNAMI" before providing scenario details. APPENDICES - xv

42 APPENDICIES - xvi

43 General Appendix E Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Tsunamis cannot be prevented, but risks presented by this serious but rare natural hazard can be greatly reduced. Lives can be saved by timely and appropriate public messaging and emergency evacuations. However, in a near-field earthquake we may not have an adequate warning period for public messaging, so public education is a crucial element in ensuring public safety. There are many aspects of preparation to consider. Where are evacuation safe havens? What is the safe evacuation route to reach the safe haven? What education programs are available to educate everyone in the community about tsunamis? How will property be protected from tsunamis? How will tourists be educated and notified about the local tsunami risk? Development and design of a tsunami risk mitigation program or emergency plan must consider those questions. Failure to do so can result in mass fatalities, loss of a community's industry and housing, and even total destruction of poorly-sited communities. Responsibilities Every community is different. B.C. has a unique geography, and many communities are isolated and have limited communication links. Many communities located on the coast are not vulnerable to tsunami inundation, while others a few kilometres away are at extreme risk. Communities are also governed differently some are locally governed and administered by a regional district office situated many kilometres away and some of those areas have emergency services while others do not. Individuals must know the risks of living close to the ocean, and it is the responsibility of individuals and governments at all levels to be educators. This entails properly assessing the risk, area by area, and preparing educational tools for the public. Finally, research into the latest technology to enhance tsunami detection, communications, and warning and alerting systems is ongoing to ensure the most reliable systems are in place. APPENDICES - xvii

44 Preparedness is International in Scope Numerous techniques are being used to decrease tsunami risk in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii and British Columbia. Components of the preparedness strategy are being undertaken by many agencies and the results are being shared among the five U.S. states, U.S. federal government agencies, Canadian federal government agencies, and British Columbia. Components of a Tsunami Preparedness Strategy Improved Detection of Tsunamis: The detection of tsunamis is being addressed at the federal government level. Satellite-linked buoys deployed into the open ocean by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) can detect small changes in sea level as tsunami waves pass under them. The Canadian Hydrographic Service has installed tidal gauges on the B.C. coast that can be read remotely, in real time, to monitor the arrival of tsunami waves on land. Seismic sensors are being linked together regionally, irrespective of their ownership, to provide a greater degree of accuracy in the detection of earthquakes that could be accompanied by tsunamis. Tsunami Models and Mapping: Scientists use historical tsunami evidence and mathematics to create tsunami models that determine possible wave heights based on local coastal conditions. Mapping coastal areas shows where community members can possibly expect tsunami flooding and where safe havens/evacuation sites should be located. Local Preparedness Planning: Local governments need to have plans in place so emergency responders and the public know what to do in the event of a tsunami alert. Tsunami exercises and public education campaigns are ways to meet this need. Local Warning and Alerting: Upon receipt of B.C. Tsunami Bulletins or other reliable information that suggests a local tsunami is imminent, local emergency officials need to communicate the threat to the public. This requires having at least two or more means of ensuring timely warning dissemination to indoor and outdoor populations, based on population and local resources. Please see the PEP website ( for the Community Notification Toolkit that discusses different notification systems and methods. APPENDICIES - xviii

45 Systems and methods for consideration include: Fixed sirens and horns Local broadcasting stations Vehicle and boat sirens and public address systems Telephone notification (dial-down) systems Indoor public address systems Tone alert activated radios placed in public facilities and workplaces Outdoor mobile electronic signs Fixed signage with flashing lights and instructions, e.g., "Emergency Info when Flashing: Proceed Inland and away from Water" Door-to-door verbal notification and leafleting Marine and local two-way radio Safety Signage: Local governments have a responsibility, within their jurisdictions, to ensure that citizens know how to evacuate to safe havens. Internationally adopted signage is now posted in B.C. Public Awareness and Education: Public awareness is critical for effective tsunami warning and alerting. Populations must understand the importance of tsunami notifications and signage and must be prepared for emergencies. Every year, coastal B.C.'s tourism industry brings in thousands of visitors, not all of whom speak English. As well, B.C. has a diverse population, so consideration should be given to creating educational materials in many languages. Information material to enhance public awareness of the tsunami hazard is available from a variety of agencies and service organizations. Local governments who have not already developed local materials may want to consider using existing materials. See Appendix I-References. Local governments may consider using a variety of methods to provide tsunami information to the public within their communities. These may include: Organized workshops with a number of different groups, such as schools, hospitals, retirement centres, library, recreational centres, neighbourhood centres, churches, businesses (restaurants, hotels, bookstores, factories), private organizations (Red Cross, environmental groups, clubs), or parks (registration centres or campsites) Distribution of pamphlets and brochures at/through the emergency community website, , handouts at workshops, post mail to residents, tourist sites (visitor centres, hotels, restaurants), transportation sites (airports, ferries, marinas, cruise ships), business sites (shopping malls, factories), inserts or articles for local newspapers, or door-to-door delivery by volunteers APPENDICES - xix