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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.
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
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?
Kwakiutl & Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations
Siren Testing Schedule
The following test dates are for the Kwakiutl First Nation tsunami siren. Property owner, occupiers and visitors in the Fort Rupert, Beaver Harbour Park, and surrounding neighbourhoods can expect to hear audible sirens during these times. Tsunami sirens heard at any other time are not a test, evacuate the area and proceed to the nearest muster station: 4640 Byng Road – Avalon School.
| April 4th, 2023 | 10:30 A.M. PST |
| July 4th, 2023 | 10:30 A.M. PST |
| October 19th, 2023 | 10:19 A.M. PST (ShakeOut) |
The 2023 dates for the Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw First Nations siren have not yet been determined.
AT ALL OTHER TIMES IF THE SIREN SOUNDS…HEAD TO HIGH GROUND!
In the event of an emergency, the following sites have up-to-date information:
Animal Health Act- General Order AIV 2022-009 – Issued October 14, 2022
General Order AIV 2022-009 is now in effect to prevent the occurrence and spread of H5 & H7 avian influenza A virus. Review the order & take necessary precautions to protect your flock.
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 Or 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.
Emergency preparedness involves 3 basic steps:
- Know the Risks
- Make a Plan
- Have an emergency kit
Wildfire Preparedness – Be Firesmart! On average, over 2,500 wildfires are started in British Columbia each year consuming over 25,000 hectares of forested land annually. As the weather becomes warmer and dryer the risk of wildfire increases. Wildland forest fires can move fast and often put communities and homes at risk. The best protection against loss, damage or injury due to wildfire is prevention. Following the FireSmart Home Owners Manual can help reduce your risk.
Fore more information on Wildfire, including Fire Danger Ratings and Prohibitions, visit the BC Wildfire Management Branch Website.
Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness – An earthquake or tsunami can happen here. Do you know what to do?
Earthquakes: Please consult the resource materials available on the Emergency Management BC website regarding earthquakes.
Tsunamis – Please consult the resource materials available on the Emergency Management BC website regarding tsunamis. Tsunamis are generated in many different ways and have occurred throughout history along the British Columbia Coast. Large, fast moving Tsunamis could happen here at any time as a result of events like earthquakes that occur close by or even far away. Are you at risk within the District of Port Hardy? Where should you go if a Tsunami warning is issued? To find this information and more, please take some time to review the District of Port Hardy’s Tsunami Preparedness Poster.
Links to more information on emergency preparedness can be found on the Emergency Management BC website.