During Tsunami Preparedness Week, we need only reflect on the events of Jan. 23, 2018, when many of us were rousted out of our beds just before 2 a.m.

On April 6, 2018, emergency alerts in British Columbia issued through the national Alert Ready program will also be sent to compatible wireless devices, such as smartphones, to ensure more people have the information they need to act quickly in an emergency.

Earthquakes, wildfires, extended power outages and severe weather emerged as some of the top hazards that concern British Columbians, according to a recent Ipsos poll commissioned by Emergency Management BC.

An independent review has credited ministry staff for their professional management of the 2017 Interior floods and has proposed recommendations to keep British Columbians safe.

April showers bring spring flowers, but they can also unleash floods and trigger landslides — a reality that those of us who reside along flood plains, unstable slopes and river banks know all too well.

As this winter has been unusually snowy, outdoor enthusiasts, such as hikers, skiers, snowshoers, snowboarders and snowmobilists, are urged to check the avalanche forecast before venturing into remote areas at: www.avalanche.ca

A series of winter storms since the start of the year have created a complex snowpack in many of British Columbia’s backcountry recreation areas.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, has issued the following statement on backcountry recreation safety:

Statement from Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth: