GEOG 210 Term Project: Natural Hazards and Preparedness in Vancouver

This project presents a comprehensive hazard preparedness plan for Vancouver, B.C., focusing on earthquakes, floods, and landslides, as influenced by climate change. The assignment begins with an assessment of these natural hazards, including their magnitude, frequency, and potential impacts on the Vancouver area. The project then outlines a detailed preparedness plan, following a three-step approach: identifying risks, creating a personalized plan, and assembling an emergency kit. Specific actions are suggested for each hazard, such as securing homes against earthquakes, preparing for floods, and addressing landslide risks. The final section summarizes daily risks and hazards, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, and provides resources for further information. The project includes detailed information about emergency kits, recommended supplies, and essential documents, offering practical advice for students to enhance their resilience to natural disasters.

Part 1
Natural hazards in B.C., focusing on the Vancouver area:
Most of the hazards, we experience in Vancouver region are due to the climate change. This
climate change is the major reason of flooding, rainfall and temperature changes. These
variations could lead to more severe and frequent emergencies.
This term natural hazards refer to some natural process which poses a possible threat to
property and human life. Natural hazards inclined to be tedious events and these events are
predictable. Earthquake is the most dangerous hazard from all the natural hazards. In 20th
century, more than a million people lost their lives due to earthquake.
Three main hazards nearby the Vancouver regions are earthquake, floods and Landslides.
Major hazards Assessment:
Earthquake:
Vancouver is situated in an active earthquake region which can be impacted by earthquake
at any moment. So in future as well, it can show the possibility of earthquake nearby the
Vancouver region. This hazard can show the outcomes in terms of loss of life and houses.
Floods:
Vancouver is susceptible to floods. The rainfall in Vancouver causes the highest flooding.
Homes and the necessary infrastructure can be damaged during the floods. It might also be
possible, that the public transit will disrupt. There are several reasons of the flood nearby
Vancouver reasons such as, climate change, heavy rainfall, sea level rise etc.
Landslide:
At few sites in Vancouver, there is a possibility of landslides due to the slopes and steep
bluffs. This city conducts the on-going stabilization projects at higher risk sites by
including the drainage work and risk scaling.
Magnitude and Frequency:
For earthquake:
On the basis of literature survey and current condition, there are lot of parameters which I
observed for the earthquake. Recently, an earthquake nearby Vancouver Island was
experienced on Friday afternoon, which has the magnitude of 4.5. This earthquake was
strong enough that it can be felt in the nearby region at Metro Vancouver. The seismic
event of this earthquake was measured at 1:35 p.m Pacific time.
For Floods:

On the basis of survey, it is found that many of the Metro Vancouver remained under an
environment Canada rainfall warning. The agency said that an intense low-pressure system
which reached at the Vancouver region could deliver up the 130mm rain at some areas in
Saturday morning.
For Landslides:
As per the BC ministry of mines and energy, landslides cause more property damage and
deaths than the other natural hazards in British Columbia including earthquakes and flooding.
Resources:
Harrison Mooney, Earthquake off B.C. coast Friday felt in Vancouver, January 24, 2020,
https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/earthquake-off-b-c-coast-friday-felt-as-far-inland-
as-vancouver/
Andrew Weichel, Flood watch issued in Metro Vancouver as rainfall sends rivers surging,
January 31, 2020, https://bc.ctvnews.ca/flood-watch-issued-in-metro-vancouver-as-rainfall-
sends-rivers-surging-1.4793018

Part 2
Preparedness Plan:
There are three major steps for making a preparedness Plan, which are shown below:
("YOUR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE", 2012)
STEP 1. Know the risks
STEP 2. Make a plan
STEP 3. Get an emergency kit
STEP 1. Know the risks:
Earthquake:
In the entire region of Canada, south-western British Columbia is one of the most
seismically active region. Approximate 400 earthquakes occur every year in this region
which extends from the north end of Vancouver Island to Seattle. Approximate a dozen of
these earthquakes felt by the people in the entire regions of Canada, but the mist of the
larger earthquake occur at the offshore region. The earthquakes are capable to do the
structural damage that happen in every decade ("Earthquakes in southwestern British
Columbia", n.d.).
Floods:
Flooding at Vancouver area, especially in Burnaby is a major issue. In Burnaby, flooding
forced the road closures on Westminster Avenue. Burnaby Assistant fire Chief Mr Stewart
Colbourne said to the driver for being cautious as flooding and pooling makes the roads
treacherous.
Other cites of Vancouver such as, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Surrey and
Coquitlam are urging residents for cleaning up the storm drains by themselves for avoiding
the floods in their areas (BOYNTON, 2019).
Landslide:
In the nearby region of Vancouver, a landslide held in Boston bar B.C which was
responsible for the widespread phone service disconnection. This issue was experienced
around this province (Holliday, 2020).

STEP 2. Make a Plan:
For Earthquake:
 Object identification at home which could be harmful during an emergency.
 Plan of emergency ways from each room of the home.
 Choose two meeting places where my family members can met, in case of separation,
in which one should be nearby and one should be far away from home.
 Have a contact with a person or family which must be out of the province.
 Emergency kits preparation.
 Trained the family members about turning off the utilities or usage of fire
extinguisher and call 911 as an emergency contact.
 Making the arrangements for senior citizens and special needs persons in family.
 Save and record the digital copies of all mandatory documents, such as, financial
records and birth certificates etc.
For flood:
 Replacing the sewer system of my home with the new pipes.
 Regular cleaning of the water system for maintaining the flow.
 Drainage monitoring nearby my home.
 Sealing the basement walls for preventing seepage by any cracks.
 Maintain and installing drain tile around my home.
For Landslides:
 Decide the meeting place of my family and the loved ones for reuniting, closer to my
home and another one outside the community.
 Contact information record for neighbours, out of town relatives.
 Getting the records of family health details such as, doctor contact numbers, care card
numbers and medication details etc.
 Records of people, who picked up the children and pets in case of my absence.
 Emergency kit location records and grabs to go bags.
STEP 3. Get an emergency kit:
There are a lot of stuff which must be available on an emergency kit, such as,
For earthquake:
 rope for towing or rescue
 screwdriver, pliers, hammer, adjustable wrench
 food and water for pets
 First aid kit and manual
 Food (nonperishable — nutrition bars, trail mix, etc.)
 Emergency signal device (light sticks, battery-type flasher, reflector, etc.)
 Whistle for signaling

For flood:
 Body warmers
 Emergency blanket
 Rain poncho
 Tube tent
 3600 Calorie food bar/ person.
 Waterproof matches
 Emergency candle
For Landslides:
 Emergency drinking water and food
 Flashlights
 First aid supplies
 Sanitation supplies
 Emergency blanket

Part 3
Summary of daily risks and hazards:
Landslides:
Landslides can occur in any region nearby Vancouver, Canada. The main regions where the
landslides occur are those regions where a combination of various disasters occurs such as,
wildfires, heavy rain, earthquake and hilly terrain etc.
Hence this disaster can be triggered by wildfires, storms and earthquake etc. Generally,
landslides occurs with very little or no warning. The best ways to avoid such kind of disaster
is to being aware about the changes and the surrounding landscapes of my home.
("LANDSLIDE DISASTER INFORMATION")
Earthquake:
Canada is fortunate as it has very few destructive earthquakes. In Canada, 1500-2500
earthquakes occur per year, but only more than 100 of them were having the magnitude
greater than 3.
Mostly, earthquakes occur at the Pacific Ocean in Canada. From the past 70 years, approx.
100 earthquakes with the magnitude more than 5 have occurred at the offshore nearby Pacific
Ocean west in Vancouver Island. ("Canadians at risk: our exposure to natural hazards")
Floods:
Urbanization can enhance the hazards exposure by the property and people concentration in
geographical manner. Approximate 1/3rd of the world’s population lives nearby the fault-line
and the flood-prone coastlines. The number of the residential people is growing day by day
nearby these flood prone areas. This kind of enhancement can be observed nearby different
regions such as, Vancouver, British Columbia and nearby the North America. Hence, the
disaster such as flooding can be harmful in terms of money and human life as well.
("Canadians at risk: our exposure to natural hazards")
Preparedness plans for the selected hazards:
For Landslides:
 Records of out of province contact information:
During the disaster occurrence, it might be possible that the local telephone area
would be overloaded or out of service. Hence, it is important to get out of province
contact information for letting them know about the status and location of each person
of the family.
 Emergency Meeting sites:

For the safer site, it is mandatory to select the emergency meeting sites for your
family members. In these sites, one must be located nearby the home and another one
must be located far away from the home.
 Address and the contact information of the places where the family members
spend most of the time:
During the disaster occurrence, it is most probable that the family members would be
available at the place where they spend most of their time. Hence, the address and the
contact information must be recorded for that place in case of any emergency.
 Record of doctor information:
If anyone from the family get injured, then the medical personnel information would
be required in case of emergency. So this record is mandatory for that situation.
 Insurance policy Details:
It is essential information for claiming an emergency assistance during this disaster.
For Earthquake:
There are six plans which are very helpful in case of emergency during the earthquake, such
as: ("Earthquake Preparedness: Emergency Plan")
 Hazard checking at home:
 Placing the heavy objects in lower shelves
 Storing the breakable items
 Repairing the electrical wires
 Safe place identification:
 Under the heavy desk and tables
 Away from the mirror and glass window
 Away from building trees and telephone lines
 Trained yourself and family members:
 Trained family members to turn off gas, electricity etc.
 Trained children about when and how to call emergency 911
 Contact with local emergency management
 Having disaster supplies in hand:
 First aid kit
 Flashlight and extra batteries
 Required medicines
 Maintain emergency communication plan:
 Plan development for family reuniting after disaster
 Ask with the out of state relative for serving the family contacts
For Flooding:
For family protection:
 Communicate with the family members about the actions which must take during the
flood.

 Ensure that each family member must have emergency kit for the disaster.
 Location finding
 Identification of nearby streams and rivers level
 Keeping the mandatory documents in a safe box.
For animals and pets protection:
 Pet emergency kit preparation.
 Getting assured about the nearby building protection
For home protection:
 Check various operations with the professional such as, electric appliances, home
drainage etc.
 Usage of sandbags during the flood disaster. ("Flood Safety")
Emergency preparedness kit:
 First aid box:
Figure.1 First Aid box retrieved from ("First Aid Box Contents - Box (A (25
workers)) - S$65.00")
This first aid box contains the mandatory medicines and bandages, which are required
at the time of disaster emergency.
 Fire extinguisher:
The fire extinguisher is useful at the situation of fire during these environmental
disasters.

Figure. 2 Fire extinguishers retrieved from ("Safepro 2 kg ABC TYPE FIRE
EXTINGUISHER Fire Extinguisher Mount Price in India - Buy Safepro 2 kg
ABC TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHER Fire Extinguisher Mount online at
Flipkart.com")
 Water bottles:
Water bottles are mandatory in case of disaster, if the emergency time get exceed. It
would be the basic need for survival.
Figure.3 Water bottle
 Important documents:
In case of emergency, it might be possible to claim the insurance and taking the
proper medical prescription. So these essential documents must be available with us
in a safe box.
Figure.4 Important documents box
 Clothing:
Clothing must be available in emergency kit. These clothing are seasonal, rain gear or
the sturdy shows. These are useful in case of emergency.

Figure.5 Rain shoes
 Food:
Some food must be contained for at least 7 days in case of disaster, as it is a basic
need for survival.
Figure. 6 Packaged food
 Cash and ATM:
Some cash and ATM must be available in the emergency kit.
Figure. 7 Cash and ATM

 Blankets and Pillow:
Blankets and pillows must be available in the emergency kit.
Figure.8 Blankets and pillow
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items: Water - one
gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation. Food -
at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a
NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
References
BOYNTON, S. (2019). Several areas of Metro Vancouver see flooding after heavy rains
pummel coastal B.C. Retrieved 22 March 2020, from
https://globalnews.ca/news/6180635/metro-vancouver-flooding-coastal-bc/
Canadians at risk: our exposure to natural hazards. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2020, from
https://www.preventionweb.net/publications/view/13008
Earthquake Preparedness: Emergency Plan. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2020, from
https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/earthquake_preparedness_emergency_plan

Earthquakes in southwestern British Columbia. Retrieved 22 March 2020, from
https://www.seismescanada.rncan.gc.ca/pprs-pprp/pubs/GF-GI/GEOFACT_earthquak
es-SW-BC_e.pdf
First Aid Box Contents - Box (A (25 workers)) - S$65.00. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2020,
from https://rehabmart.com.sg/first-aid-emergency/first-aid-kit/first-aid-box-contents-
530719fb2bc28
Flood Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2020, from https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-
to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html
Holliday, I. (2020). Landslide leads to phone service disruptions across B.C. Retrieved 22
March 2020, from https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/landslide-leads-to-phone-
service-disruptions-across-b-c-1.4794222
LANDSLIDE DISASTER INFORMATION. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2020, from
https://www.emergencykits.com/landslide-disaster-information/
Safepro 2 kg ABC TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHER Fire Extinguisher Mount Price in India -
Buy Safepro 2 kg ABC TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHER Fire Extinguisher Mount
online at Flipkart.com. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2020, from
https://www.flipkart.com/safepro-2-kg-abc-type-fire-extinguisher-mount/p/
itmf6qxxbynver3w
YOUR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE. (2012). Retrieved 22 March 2020, from
https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/yprprdnssgd/yprprdnssgd-eng.pdf