While the odds of a tsunami hitting Sooke are low, they aren't zero.
To prepare, the District of Sooke invited the community to participate in the High Ground Hike during Tsunami Preparedness Week.
Simulating how to act in a real disaster, about 40 residents gathered at the Sooke Flats — the Sooke River Campground — to hike to the SEAPARC Rec Centre. There, Emergency Support Services (ESS) and Sooke Fire Rescue volunteers shared important information.
Volunteers spoke with participants about how to prepare and respond in the event of a disaster. Complimentary coffee and snacks were offered, but one of the event’s real benefits was the opportunity for residents to get to know each other.
“You can have all these plans in place, you can have all the technology and all the tools, but what it really comes down to is relationships and how well you know your community,” said Ryland Bennet, Sooke’s emergency program manager.
“If we’re talking a large catastrophic event, those services are really going to be in short supply.”
According to Emily Lock, deputy emergency support director for ESS, this year’s High Ground Hike saw its best turnout yet — especially compared to its first year, when only eight residents participated.
“I’m very happy that we’ve had a really good turnout. I think the support of our volunteers and the fire guys being here is what we need to draw a little attention,” said Lock.
“I hope everybody starts working on preparing their emergency kits, talking to friends and family, and spreading the word about being prepared — because it really comes down to individual preparedness in the event of a big natural disaster.”
While most of Sooke is not at risk of a tsunami, Lock said up to 900 homes in the community’s low-lying areas could be impacted. These include some properties near Whiffin Spit and those neighbouring the Sooke River.
“Why would we be worried about a tsunami?” Jeri Grant, co-chair of ShakeOut BC, rhetorically asked. He answered that an earthquake in the area could trigger one.
“In this area — Juan de Fuca and Sooke — it’s a ‘felt earthquake,’ so it’s that really big shaking. It’s going to shake so hard you won’t be able to stand up.”
Grant explained that such an earthquake could last three to five minutes. If it does occur, residents won’t need to wait for an alert on their phone — they’ll know to move to higher ground.
ESS will continue to keep residents informed, with plans to attend markets at the Sooke Region Museum, the Sooke Farmers' Market and other community events.
Now, as they look toward next year’s High Ground Hike, Bennet hopes to make the event even bigger.
“We’re really building on it. What we’re looking to do is make this a more fulsome event with a bunch of food and barbecues,” he said.
“We want to bring the community together to make friends, but also talk about the important stuff we need to know.”
To learn more about emergency preparedness in Sooke, visit sooke.ca/emergencyprep.
