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Learn to Protect Yourself
from a Tsunami
The vast majority of Greater Victoria is at no threat from a tsunami. However, there
is information that everyone should know about tsunamis, particularly if you live,
work, or enjoy those areas close to the coastline.
Tsunamis occur on an infrequent basis here, but they are a potentially dangerous
hazard that we all need to be aware of and plan for.
About Tsunamis
The most dangerous tsunami threat to Greater Victoria follows a major earthquake.
If you feel an earthquake that is strong enough to make it difficult to stand or
where the shaking lasts longer than one minute then you should know that a tsunami
may have been generated. In this type of event some areas closer to the ocean may
lie within the tsunami planning zone and may be at risk. Check the maps below to
find your home, place of work, school, or other places you visit regularly and see
if they lie within the tsunami planning zone. Move inland out of the tsunami planning
zone. You have about 90 minutes from the end of the shaking until the first series
of tsunami waves could arrive here. You do not have to travel far to get to an area
of safety. View the brochure below for more information on what else to do in this
situation.
This region can also see smaller sized tsunamis that are generated by earthquakes
many hundreds of kilometres away. These tsunamis are generated by earthquakes that
we can not feel here. This type of tsunami is a potential threat to those on beaches,
or those who have seen wave damage to their properties in large winter storms, but
these tsunamis are not a threat to other areas inland. View the brochure below for
more information on what to else you need to know about this type of tsunami.
Watches/Warnings/Cancellations:
- If you hear that a tsunami Watch is in place this is your notification
that a tsunami threat may exist and you should follow all instructions carefully.
Listen to your AM/FM radio for further details.
- If you hear that a tsunami Warning is in place this is your notification that
a tsunami is expected. Verify that the notice includes this area and if it does
move inland to an area that is outside the tsunami planning zone.
- If you hear that there is a tsunami Cancellation message this is your notification
that there is no tsunami threat to your area.
Tsunami Brochure
For more complete information on the tsunami hazard in this area view the tsunami
information brochure here.
Visit the Oak Bay Fire Hall at 1703 Monterey Avenue to get your
hardcopy of this very useful brochure and map. Call the Oak Bay Fire Hall at 592-9121 for details on other
locations where this brochure may be available.
Tsunami Planning Zone Maps (download the most current tsunami planning
maps here):
Greater Victoria Tsunami Planning Map (Oak Bay, Saanich, Victoria, View
Royal)
Saanich Peninsula Tsunami Planning Map (Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney)
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