Every now and then, we get a tsunami warning. There was one earlier this year when the Tonga volcano erupted. And one last year where the Americans warned their people, but BC had no idea what to do.
But the last time Port Alberni had a real tsunami emergency was in 2018. The sirens went off. Folks didn’t know what to do, but they knew they needed to do something. It was a bit chaotic.
The city has learned a lot since then. And they’re hoping to teach you what they’ve learned.
That’s why they’re hosting the Hike to High Ground event on Tuesday, April 12.
Karen Freethy is the protective services coordinator for the ACRD. She told Alberni Valley News that the event is “to promote the need to move to high ground and ‘hike to high ground’ when there is a tsunami warning.”
Event: Hike to High Ground
When: 1 pm
Date: Tuesday, April 12
Where: Spirit Square in Harbour Quay
The walk starts at Spirit Square at 1 pm. Folks will walk up Argyle Street, then turn toward Trinity Community Hall at Fifth Avenue and Angus Street.
Trinity Community Hall, inside the Anglican Lutheran Church, is one of the city’s emergency centres. When folks reach the community hall, there will be refreshments, prizes, and more information on handling emergencies.
Kids from four classes at Maquinna Elementary School will come along for the hike so they can also learn what to do.
We know that life on the coast can get a bit bumpy sometimes. And we have seen the government is under-prepared for an emergency.
But VanIsanders are good at taking care of each other. So with some good knowledge and a plan, we can help each other weather the storm.
Even if that storm is a tsunami.
