British Columbia is particularly vulnerable to a range of natural hazards. For example, earthquakes, tsunami, and volcanoes are generated along the western flank of the province, as the tectonic plates that floor the Pacific Ocean drive beneath North America. British Columbia's mountainous terrain makes it prone to landslides, glacial outburst floods, snow avalanches, and seasonal floods, and its extensive coastlines are exposed to storm surges, tsunami that propagate across the Pacific Ocean from distant plate boundaries, and the effects of sea-level rise.
Recent events, including unprecedented wildfire seasons, catastrophic flooding, and extreme heat, highlight the importance of understanding and reducing disaster and climate risks, as well as enhancing the preparedness of communities across B.C.
Climate change is intensifying the impacts of some hazards, including:
- Unprecedented forest fire seasons
- Heat domes
- Atmospheric river events that can overwhelm infrastructure
Disasters like these will continue and increase in complexity as climate change persists. The Capital Region Extreme Heat Information Portal hosts information and maps that will help residents and municipal planners explore and understand the capital region's vulnerability and exposure to extreme heat. To view the heat portal visit heat.prepareyourself.ca/.
For more information on Climate Action at the CRD visit crd.ca/environment/climate-action.
This year’s theme for Emergency Preparedness Week focuses on collective action. When disaster strikes, the most immediate help will come from those around you, your neighbours. Connecting and building relationships with them today will mean a better response and faster recovery.
Reach out to your neighbours and organize a get-together. If you already have a neighbourhood network in place, start there. Consider talking about the possible hazards in your area, how prepared your home is, any neighbours who have specific needs, and the emergency programs in your area.
Visit the Prepare Yourself website prepareyourself.ca to learn more about hazards in our region and get prepared. The website includes a range of preparedness resources.
Our Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region [PDF/2.5MB] provides essential steps to prepare for emergencies. Inside, you'll find:
- What to do before, during, and after an emergency
- Handy checklists to ensure nothing is overlooked
- Practical advice to protect yourself and your loved ones
This week, Prepared BC will be hosting five webinars with experts from the field to help you increase preparedness and resiliency.
Dates: Every day May 5 to May 9
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM (PDT)
Register: Emergency Preparedness Week 2025 Webinar Series
Being well-prepared puts you in a stronger position to help your family, friends, and neighbors during an emergency or disaster.
