Lights, camera, action: Tsunami preparedness information takes new shape in Saanich
March 28, 2019
News release
For immediate release
Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich is participating in Emergency Management BC’s Tsunami Preparedness Week – held this year from April 7 to 13 – by using a bit of Hollywood flare to convey important preparedness information at a unique event: Disasters on the Big Screen.
“We are shaking things up a bit and delivering our tsunami preparedness information in a fun and engaging way using the power of film,” said Deputy Fire Chief Frank Macdonald. “Last year through our public survey process, we heard feedback about how our traditional methods were hitting the mark for many residents, but we also heard feedback encouraging us to continue to think outside the box in order to attract additional demographics to our sessions. Residents asked and we listened.”
Event information:
Disasters on the Big Screen will showcase video clips from the far-fetched and poorly acted movie Disaster Wars: Earthquake vs. Tsunami. Teron Moore, safety program manager from Ocean Networks Canada and Captain Maegan Thompson from the Saanich Emergency Program will provide commentary throughout the clips about local tsunami risk, earthquake safety, the importance of preparedness and information related to emergency management. The event is an approachable and fun way to learn important information for ages 14 years and older.
Cost: Free
Learn more:
The primary tsunami risk in our region is from a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. The strong shaking from this event is nature’s warning to move to higher ground or inland four meters vertical from the high tide line. In 2013, the Capital Regional District conducted a tsunami risk assessment identifying tsunami planning zones for CRD residents and created a tsunami brochure with a risk map for Saanich. The Saanich maps will be on display in Saanich Municipal Hall from April 8 to 12.
The Saanich Emergency Program offers free emergency preparedness presentations at recreation centres throughout the community, which provide information for individuals to be able to sustain themselves for a minimum of seven days after a disaster. Each participating household receives a take-home copy of the workbook: Prepare Yourself, A Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region to help with emergency planning.
The next scheduled emergency preparedness presentation is:
Date: Thursday, April 25, 2019
Find out more about tsunami preparedness and the Saanich Emergency Program on Saanich.ca.
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Media contact:
Frank Macdonald, Deputy Fire Chief