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PEP coordinator responds to emergency action

Cori Neilson shares some timely information on emergency response.

Dear editor,

As Regional Emergency Coordinator I would like to share the following timely information to help our citizens identify their geographical tsunami zone, and to help assist them in their tsunami responses and preparation.
Within the Mount Waddington Regional District are tsunami zones B and C. http://www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_preparedness/TSU_BC_Zones_2005-2.pdf
Zone B extends from above Bella Bella to Sayward. Zone C extends most of the West coast of the Island from Hope Island, NW of Port Hardy to just below Port Renfrew. 
It is also important for everyone to recognize the different degrees of tsunami risk communications. The three key terms to understand are; A Warning, A Watch, and An Advisory. A Red Tsunami Warning happens when a tsunami has been confirmed, residents should evacuate. An Orange Watch is when a tsunami MAY have been generated but there is not sufficient evidence to confirm if there is one or not. A yellow Tsunami Advisory is given when no significant inundation is expected but strong currents dangerous to those in or near the ocean is possible.

In the event of a tsunami evacuation the muster (gathering) stations and local coordinators or contacts are;

Winter Harbour – WD Moore Logging Camp or Village Schoolyard - Graham Lasure

Quatsino – Quatsino School - Gwen Hansen

Port Alice – Port Alice Community Centre - Kevin Cameron

Port Hardy – Civic Centre – Bob Hawkins

Port McNeill – NISS/High School – Keith Balcke

Hyde Creek – Hyde Creek Community Hall – Cam Brady

Sointula – FO Hall – Linda Sowden

Mitchell Bay – Higher Ground - Ross Weaver

Alert Bay – Alert Bay School - Shannon Alfred

Tsulquate Reserve - Wakas Hall – Bob Swain

Storey’s Beach area – Civic Centre - Bob Hawkins

My sincere gratitude goes to our wonderful citizens who responded accordingly to the Tsunami Warning that was given on the night of Saturday October 27th. I realize for some it may have been an inconvenience but we responded in a manner appropriately and to the best of our abilities. If you have any questions concerning your tsunami response plan please contact myself or your local emergency coordinator listed above.

Sincerely,

Cori Neilson

Emergency Program Coordinator

Regional District Mount Waddington