Emergency Management


Victoria has a one in three (32%) probability of a damaging earthquake in the next 50 years, and in addition to risk of earthquakes, is also prone to hazards including tsunamis, weather events and pandemics.

The Victoria Emergency Management Agency (VEMA) is the City of Victoria's resource for helping our community prepare for an emergency. Responsible for coordinating an emergency response in the event of a disaster, VEMA also educates and empowers Victoria citizens on how to be "emergency prepared." This is accomplished through emergency preparedness training events, exercises, and public education.

National Emergency Preparedness Week
is May 5 - 11, 2013

Emergency Preparedness Week is designed to raise awareness of the importance of having an emergency kit and making an emergency plan. This annual event takes place across Canada each year during the first full week of May. Learn what it takes for you and your family or business to be "emergency prepared'.

What to do during an earthquake?

Drop, Cover and Hold On! is the most appropriate action during an earthquake. The City of Victoria participates in the annual Great British Columbia ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in Canadian history. Learn more.

Register for a Free Emergency Workshop

Learn how you and your family can be prepared for an emergency by registering to attend a free workshop. The next workshops will be offered on May 9, 11, and 29.

Prepare an Emergency Kit 

 
Check out our award-winning Recipe for Disaster series to learn what you need to include in your emergency kit to help protect your family, pets, or business.

How to be Prepared at Home

Learn what you can do to be prepared for an earthquake at home.

How to be Prepared at Work

Victoria gets its share of weather events such as windstorms and snow, which can disrupt power or make transportation difficult. Plumbing failures and fire can also interrupt a business. We're also due for a major earthquake. Planning ahead can help businesses recover faster from a disaster, reducing the likelihood of a large financial loss. Check out the Recipe for Disaster for businesses.

Tsunamis

If an earthquake lasts for more than 60 seconds or is so strong that it is difficult to stand, people in low-lying coastal areas are advised to move to higher ground. Learn more about the difference between a Tsunami Warning, a Tsunami Advisory, and a Tsunami Watch -- and what to do.

Volunteer with VEMA   

You can help your community in an emergency by volunteering with the Victoria Emergency Management Agency.

Follow VEMA on Facebook

For helpful tips and information, "Like" us on Facebook. 

Emergency Info BC

For the lastest information on an earthquake or tsunami in BC, visit Emergency Info BC. You can also follow them on Twitter at @EmergencyInfoBC.

Be Prepared!

There are many things that can be done in a home, business or organization to prepare for an emergency, minimizing the risks of injury and damage. Individuals should prepare to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days without outside assistance. Check out these helpful links below to Prepare Victoria!

The City, like all municipal governments in British Columbia, is required by the Emergency Program Act and Regulations to have an emergency management organization, an emergency plan, and train staff and exercise that plan regularly.