Do you know what to do in the event of a tsunami in Colwood?
Join the City of Colwood and Royal Roads University (RRU) for a Hike to High Ground, an interactive event designed to help residents practice tsunami preparedness.
Lace up your shoes and walk the tsunami evacuation route while learning what to do in the event of a real emergency. Colwood Fire Rescue personnel will be on site to answer questions, showcase emergency equipment, and share information about tsunami evacuation maps for the area.
📅 Saturday, April 18
🕙10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
📍Royal Roads University lower parking lot (2005 Sooke Rd.)
Meet in the Royal Roads lower parking area and join a group or take a self-guided walk up to the central parking area, following the evacuation path out of the tsunami zone.
Along the route, stop by information booths to connect with community partners and service members and learn more about tsunami preparedness:
- City of Colwood
- Colwood Fire Department
- West Shore Emergency Support Service
- Royal Roads Student Services
- Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
All are welcome, including on-leash pets. Parking is free for attendees during the event. Arrive and complete the walk at anytime from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Understanding Tsunami Alerts
British Columbia is a seismically active province, and coastal communities like Colwood could experience tsunamis caused by earthquakes. Being prepared means knowing how you’ll receive alerts, where to go, and how to get there.
Subscribe to West Shore Alerts to receive emergency notifications specific to Colwood.
Tsunami alerts are issued in several stages:
- Information Statement: No threat exists, but an event has occurred that people should be aware of.
- Watch: A distant tsunami is possible. Stay tuned for updates and be prepared to act.
- Advisory: Strong currents and waves may pose a danger near the water. Stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways.
- Warning: Dangerous coastal flooding and strong currents are possible. People in tsunami zones will be instructed to move to high ground.
Be Prepared for a Tsunami
Taking a few simple steps ahead of time can make a big difference in an emergency:
- Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and reception centre locations.
- If you feel an earthquake, Drop, Cover, and Hold On until the shaking stops, then move to higher ground immediately.
- Once you reach high ground, stay there until local officials issue the all clear. Tsunami waves can continue for several hours.
- Always follow instructions from local officials, starting with alerts from West Shore Alert.
- If you are not in a tsunami zone, remain at home and be prepared to help family, friends, or neighbours if needed.
Know Colwood's Tsunami Areas
Did you know that the majority of Colwood is NOT within the tsunami inundation zone? Check the CRD Tsunami Information portal to better understand areas at risk.
The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate readiness (EMCR) coordinates provincial emergency management activities, including preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery. In the event of a tsunami, alerts may be issued through several systems, including:
- Local government emergency alerts like West Shore Alert,
- Coastal siren systems (such as at CFB Esquimalt)
- Local media and social media
- The National Public Alerting System.
The last major tsunami to hit BC shores was on March 27, 1964 when Port Alberni was flooded following the 9.2 magnitude Great Alaska Earthquake.