People living on Haida Gwaii will soon know where to safely go in the event a tsunami strikes their coast, thanks to a collaborative project between local First Nations and governments, the Province, BC Hydro and TELUS.

The project will paint markers indicating tsunami inundation and safe zones on BC Hydro and TELUS utility poles in each community, showing the public where to safely go in the event of a tsunami.

The Province is providing a $15,000 grant to support funding for travel, lodging and other costs for an intern from Royal Roads University’s master of arts in disaster and emergency management program who will be developing an implementation plan for each community. BC Hydro and TELUS are each contributing $5,000 toward the research and development phase of the project, including test poles and other materials, and the roll out.

This project builds on the Province’s tsunami education efforts through PreparedBC, including publications, safety information and the High Ground Hike. Piloted in Tofino earlier this year, High Ground Hike is a community-led event held annually during Tsunami Preparedness Week (the second full week of April). Communities in risk areas are encourage to host a walk, run or hike to high ground following tsunami evacuation routes. To support this initiative, PreparedBC has created a template logo and event materials that are available to participating communities.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness –

“Our government supports any action that can be taken to help keep British Columbians safe and aware of the potential hazards in our province. Specifically for the islands of Haida Gwaii, an area that recently experienced first-hand the power of seismic events, creating a good visual mark for safe relocation to high ground may help to save lives in the event of a tsunami. We are very encouraged to see innovative leadership and collaboration from the Haida Gwaii communities as they come together with BC Hydro and TELUS to make an important contribution to tsunami preparedness in an area we all know is prone to seismic activity.”

Mayor Greg Martin, Village of Queen Charlotte –

“Earthquakes can pose a serious tsunami threat here on Haida Gwaii. This project is a great example of our communities working together to provide a clear indication of where the safe zones are. Thanks to Minister Yamamoto and our fire chief, Larry Duke, for their leadership in this.”

Hugo Shaw, senior vice-president, safety, security and emergency management, BC Hydro –

“BC Hydro supports efforts to help the residents of coastal communities be better prepared for the possibility of a seismic event. This initiative will provide guidance and clarity during tsunami events when a quick response is essential for the safety of those involved.”

Larry Duke, fire chief, Village of Queen Charlotte –

“I am very pleased that the idea of using existing BC Hydro and Telus infrastructure to indicate inundation and safe zones has such strong support provincially. Our Haida Gwaii Emergency Management Team is looking forward to participating with the implementation.”

Lance MacDonald, general manager for Northern B.C., TELUS –

“In the event of a tsunami, knowing where to safely gather is absolutely critical to keeping residents and visitors out of harm’s way. As an organization, we are guided by our philosophy to give where we live, and our team is proud to be part of this important collaboration to mark safe zones on the local TELUS and Hydro poles throughout the community.”

Quick Facts:

• This project combines planning and implementation activities, to reduce the risk of injury or fatality for visitors and residents in the case of a tsunami, and it involves small-scale infrastructure installation.
• Royal Roads University intern Carmin Moore will deliver a report which will provide mapping, technical specifications, marketing and communications materials, and budget estimates for the implementation phase.
• This project includes involvement from local governments from the Village of Queen Charlotte, Skidegate Band Council, Village of Port Clements, Village of Masset, Old Masset Village Council and areas E and D of the North Coast Regional District.

Learn More:

Earthquake and Tsunami Smart Manual: http://ow.ly/nLK9306v7vo

High Ground Hike: http://ow.ly/7a63306v6XS

Tsunami safety: http://ow.ly/we21306v7kj