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    Emergency Preparedness

    The District of Port Hardy works with the regional Emergency Preparedness Program (EP) to ensure that response efforts are coordinated quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency. EP includes local Municipal representatives, as well as members from the RCMP, fire department and ambulance. Members are trained to respond to both local and regional disasters, as needed.

    The information contained on this page is designed to help every resident to be aware of possible emergencies and disasters and how to plan to minimize their effects. You should be aware of the following potential scenarios which may occur in an emergency.

    Port Hardy Emergency on Facebook

    Evacuation Sites

    Hardy Bay area residents should report to the Civic Centre at 7400 Columbia Street – Storey’s Beach and Beaver Harbour residents should report to the Avalon School at 4640 Byng Road.

    IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY STAY OFF YOUR TELEPHONES AND CELLULAR PHONES. THESE SYSTEMS NEED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES

    72 Hours, Are you Prepared?

    After a disaster (fire, tsunami, earthquake, toxic spill, etc.) you may have to look after yourself for 72 hours or more until services or supplies are restored. You may have to temporarily leave your home and go to a reception center for help with food, clothing or lodging. Family members may get separated. Your family should have one out-of-town contact person who is designated to receive and relay messages for your family. Ensure your children are aware of the contact person and their phone numbers. You should also know how to help emergency response personnel find you house.

    Ask yourself these questions:

    • Is your house number clearly visible from the street?
    • Can it be seen at night?

    For more emergency resources, visit the following links:

    PreparedBC Basic Emergency Kit Supplies
    26 Week Preparedness Guide
    PreparedBC Household Emergency Plan

    In the event of an emergency, the following sites have up-to-date information:

    West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Advisory Natural Resources Canada – Earthquakes
    Emergency Program Coordinator
    Lionel Gunson
    Cover for Port Hardy Emergency
    3,239
    Port Hardy Emergency

    Port Hardy Emergency

    Port Hardy Emergency is your District of Port Hardy Emergency Management Team. We will be working during any local emergencies to ensure the safety of our residents and a speedy recovery for the community.

    Port Hardy Emergency

    6 days ago

    Port Hardy Emergency
    Valentine's Day is about more than chocolate... though we do love chocolate. 😉Why not spread a little love with a fully equipped emergency kit? 💕Not quite sure what to include in your PreparedBCredBC's tips are a great starting point to keep you and your loved ones emergency ready with the basics. ✅ Non-perishable food✅ Water✅ A battery-powered flashlight and radio✅ Extra batteries✅ A first-aid kit and medications✅ Copy of your emergency plan and copies of important documents✅ Garbage bags and moist towelettes✅ Seasonal clothing, sturdy footwear and an emergency blanketDon't forget to customize your kit with important specialty items like pet food and prescriptions! www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/build-an-emergency-kit-and-grab... ... See MoreSee Less

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    EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK, May 3-9, 2026

    An emergency can happen at any time. Emergency Preparedness Week is observed annually the first full week of May. This nationally recognized week aims to raise awareness on the importance of being ready emergency ready. Understanding the local hazards and knowing how to protect yourself and your household can improve your readiness and response when it matters most.  To help, Port Hardy Emergency celebrates  with an annual kick-off event. This year, Port Hardy Emergency invites Port Hardy and area Gr. 4-7 students to partake in an Emergency Preparedness Fair! Learn more about the 2026 Emergency Preparedness Fair.

    Register your class by February 15th for a chance to win a class Pizza Party!

     

    TSUNAMI PREPAREDNESS WEEK, April 12-18, 2026

    Observed annually during the second full week of April, coastal communities across British Columbia take part in Tsunami Preparedness Week. Tsunamis have occurred throughout history along the British Columbia Coast. Large, fast moving tsunamis could happen at any time as a result of an event like an earthquake that may occur close by or even far away. Being tsunami ready can help protect and prepare yourself and loved ones should the time come.

    Tsunami Notification Zones:

    BC’s coastline is divided into 5 discrete Tsunami Notification Zones, Port Hardy is located in Tsunami Notification Zone B.

    Levels of Tsunami Alerts:

    There are 5 levels of tsunami alerts. Each alert type has a corresponding level of threat and action.

    ALERT THREAT ACTION
    Warning Flood wave possible Evacuation suggested
    Advisory Strong currents likely Stay away from the shore
    Watch Danger level not yet known Stay alert for more information
    Information Statement Minor waves at most No action suggested
    Cancellation Tidal gauges show no activity Confirm safety of local areas

    Stay Informed:

    If a Tsunami Warning is issued, the warning will be broadcast across television, radio and compatible mobile devices through B.C.’s emergency alert system. Local emergency information will also be shared through the Port Hardy Mass Notification System.

    Register to receive Port Hardy emergency alerts.
    If you are near the coast when an earthquake occurs, don’t wait, take action!
      1. Immediately drop, cover, hold.
      2. Once the shaking stops, move to high ground following your designated tsunami evacuation route.
      3. Follow all instructions from local officials.
      4. Stay on higher ground until you receive the “all clear” message from your local authority, tsunami waves can last several hours.

    Never go to the beach to watch the waves, a tsunami can move faster than you can run. 

    Image showing: drop, cover and hold on. go to high ground. Stay there to ensure a tsunami isn't coming.

    Tsunami Hazard Zones in Port Hardy:

    Low-lying areas such as beaches, estuaries, and marinas are especially vulnerable to tsunamis. While signs indicating a tsunami hazard zone are posted throughout the community, it is important to be aware of where these zones occur and whether you are in one. In the event that a Tsunami Warning has been issued CHECK BEFORE heading to the nearest evacuation site, not everyone may need to evacuate as some areas are outside the hazard zone.

    TSUNAMI PREPAREDNESS POSTER & MAP
    Find out if you are in a Tsunami Hazard Zone
    For more information on tsunami preparedness, check out the following resources:
    Earthquake and Tsunami Smart Manual
    PreparedBC- TSUNAMIS

    Earthquake Preparedness

    Earthquakes can’t be predicted. When you feel the ground shake, immediately Drop, Cover and Hold on. Your response may be different depending on where you are and what you are doing. Visit PreparedBC to learn more about how to respond during an earthquake in different scenarios, and what to do when the shaking stops.

    Image depicting drop to your hands and knees, seek cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on.

    For more information and resources on earthquake preparedness visit PreparedBC online

    PREPAREDBC – EARTHQUAKES

    Wildfire Preparedness

    Wildfire is a risk to many areas across the province, including Port Hardy and area. While some regions are more vulnerable, seasonal weather changes can increase local risk. Don’t wait to get prepared. Learn more about what to do before, during and after a wildfire.

    For more information on wildfire preparedness check out the PreparedBC Wildfire Preparedness Guide

    Get FireSmart!

    We all play a critical role in mitigating wildfire risks. Simple actions around your home and property can decrease the intensity of a wildfire, slow its spread, and help stop buildings and other structures from being damaged in a fire.

    FireSmart your home with BC FireSmart’s Interactive Guide

    To help residents and businesses in planning for an emergency event of any kind, Port Hardy Emergency has prepared a handout with some quick tips and ideas on how to be emergency prepared for hazards of any kind. 

    EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK QUICKGUIDE

    Emergency preparedness involves 3 basic steps:

      1. Know the Risks
      2. Make a Plan
      3. Have a Kit

    ADOPT THE “ICE ADVICE” (ICE: In Case of Emergency)

    Use your cell phone as an emergency lifeline. At the touch of a button, it can be used to call 911, the police, or to reunite loved ones separated during a disaster.

      • Add an entry in the contacts list in your cell phone under the label ICE with the names and phone numbers of people who should be called in case of an accident or injury.
      • Simply put the acronym ICE before the names you want to designate as key contacts or next of kin, creating entries such as ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3, etc.
      • This will allow responders at the scene to know right away who to notify.

    Use Of ‘HELP’ And ‘OK’ Signs

    The following signs can be printed and kept in your emergency preparedness kit. They can be displayed in a home, business or vehicle window to show emergency responders and others that you are in need of assistance (HELP) or alternatively, are not in need of assistance (OK): Click here to download help/ok signs.

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