Emergency Preparedness is a normal part of life in coastal communities like Tofino.
As you’re driving through Tofino, you’ll notice the blue and white signs that say “Tsunami Evacuation Route.” These signs are in place to lead you away from low-lying areas and towards high ground in the event of a tsunami. The signs are part of a larger network of systems designed to keep people safe should a tsunami occur.
This network was designed in part due to the information gathered after the last significant tsunami hit our shoreline on March 28th, 1964. A 9.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska, triggering an enormous displacement of water that sent a series of waves in our direction. The tsunami did minimal damage in Tofino and Ucluelet. But our neighbours in Port Alberni saw three-metre waves sweep through the town, displacing vehicles and damaging buildings. Thankfully, there were no fatalities.
This event is one of the reasons we have such robust systems for tsunami prediction, monitoring and reporting in place. And it also informed our current warning systems, evacuation routes and other forms of emergency preparedness.
What is a Tsunami?
According to Tourism Tofino’s Tsunami Safety Guide, “a tsunami is a series of waves typically triggered by a significant earthquake occurring beneath the ocean floor.” They can also be triggered by underwater landslides and volcanic eruptions. Distant tsunamis come from a seismic event more than 1000kms away, while local tsunamis come from events less than 1000kms away. Tsunami waves are different from the waves that consistently roll into our beaches. Those waves—the ones that surfers are interested in—are created by storms and/or wind events that occur out in the open ocean. Tsunami waves generally behave differently from storm-generated waves, often materializing as a surge or inundation.
Why is Tofino at Risk?
The Cascadia Subduction Zone, which is a major tectonic plate boundary, sits 100-200kms off our coastline. It stretches from Norther Vancouver Island down to Northern California and is capable of producing a megathrust earthquake like the one that struck Alaska in 1964 and created the tsunami that hit Port Alberni.
Much of Tofino’s infrastructure is within the tsunami inundation zone (less than 20m elevation above sea level). Thankfully, we have lots of high ground that we can evacuate to in the case of a tsunami (see map).
How are Tsunamis monitored?
Using state-of-the-art technology such as seismographs, deep-ocean buoys, coastal tide gauges and ocean radars, sudden shifts in the earth and ocean are detected immediately. This allows Tsunami Warning Centres to predict the time of the waves’ arrival and issue alerts and instructions.
How do I prepare?
- – First of all, sign up for the local Voyent Alert system so you get the most up-to-date information sent directly to your phone. If you’re visiting, you can unsubscribe after your trip.
- – Familiarize with designated evacuation routes and know where the closest high ground/assembly area is to your location.
- – Prepare a Go Bag for yourself, family members and pets.
How do I know if there’s a Tsunami coming?
Tsunamis will be proceeded by a large earthquake. If it’s a local tsunami, as opposed to a distant tsunami, you will feel the earthquake. The ground will shake and buildings will too.
You may hear a loud roar, the sirens will sound and, in some cases, you might see the ocean recede.
The Voyent Alert System will keep you updated. There will also be an intrusive alert on your phone and information will be available on the social channels listed on Tofino’s Emergency Preparedness page.
What do I do if there’s a tsunami?
If it’s a distant tsunami (more than 1000kms away), you will have several hours to receive updates and instructions from the local warning system. You should have plenty of time to proceed to the nearest high ground assembly area.
But if it’s a local earthquake/tsunami (less than 1000kms away), DROP, COVER and HOLD ON during the earthquake and then proceed to high ground immediately after the shaking stops. Don’t wait for local warnings. Avoid low-lying areas and just go.
Waves can occur several hours after the earthquake, so stay on high ground until local authorities advise otherwise.
How do I know if there’s a Tsunami coming?
Tsunamis will be proceeded by a large earthquake. If it’s a local tsunami, as opposed to a distant tsunami, you will feel the earthquake. The ground will shake and buildings will too. You may hear a loud roar, the sirens will sound and, in some cases, you might see the ocean recede.
In this case, don’t wait for alerts and/or local warnings, just proceed to high ground as soon as the shaking stops. If it’s a distant tsunami, the sirens will sound and the Voyent Alert System will keep you updated. There will also be an intrusive alert on your phone and information will be available on the social channels listed on Tofino’s Emergency Preparedness page.
Where is the closest high ground to Long Beach Lodge?
If you look at the map in the District’s Tsunami Safety Guide, all the areas marked dark green (indicating that it’s more than 20m above sea level) are high ground. The Designated Tsunami Route leads to The Emergency Reception Centre at the Tofino Community Hall, located at 351 Arnet Road, with areas of high ground along the way at:
- The north end of Cox Bay
- Rosie Bay Estates
- Industrial Way
Residents and visitors alike should all be familiar with these locations.
While Tofino is located in a region where tsunami preparedness is part of coastal life, the likelihood of a major tsunami occurring at any given time is very low. Even so, local authorities, residents, and businesses have well-established emergency procedures in place – to ensure everyone knows what to do should the need ever arise.
When you hear the District of Tofino test its tsunami sirens at 11:00 a.m. on the first Friday of every month, it’s simply a routine reminder that our community is prepared. With these systems in place, you can enjoy everything our coast has to offer with confidence.