Not all emergencies are the same but knowing what’s most likely to happen in Esquimalt can help you prepare in the right way.
This section breaks down the key hazards in our region, what to expect, and the simple actions you can take before, during, and after each one. Whether it’s an earthquake, a power outage, or a heatwave, being informed is the first step toward staying safe.
Capital Regional District Emergency Dashboard
What to expect:
Vancouver Island sits in an active seismic zone. A major earthquake could cause severe shaking, broken infrastructure, power outages, and road closures. You may have only seconds to react.
Before:
- Secure heavy furniture and hot water tanks.
- Make sure each family member knows how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
- Keep sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and gloves near your bed.
- Build a kit with enough supplies for 7+ days.
During:
- Indoors? Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.
- Outdoors? Move to an open area, away from buildings and power lines.
- Driving? Pull over and stop in a safe place. Stay inside the vehicle.
After:
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Expect aftershocks. Re-check safety of your surroundings often.
- Turn off gas only if you smell it or hear hissing.
- Be ready to shelter in place for several days without power or help.
Resources:
What to expect:
Esquimalt is in a Tsunami Notification Zone but not in a high-risk inundation zone. If a tsunami threat is identified, BC’s Alert Ready system will notify residents. You usually have over 90 minutes of lead time.
Before:
- Know the difference between a Tsunami Alert and a Tsunami Warning.
- Review the local tsunami map to see where you live or work in relation to high ground.
- Talk about evacuation plans with your household.
During:
- If you feel a strong earthquake and are near the coast, move inland or to higher ground immediately don’t wait for an official alert.
- Follow evacuation instructions from trusted authorities.
- Avoid the shoreline. Tsunamis can arrive as multiple waves hours apart.
After:
- Stay away from evacuated zones until authorities declare them safe.
- Monitor updates from official sources.
- Do not return home until you’re told it’s safe to do so.
Resources:
- CRD Tsunami Inundation Map
- Tsunami FAQs
What to expect:
Hotter, drier summers are becoming more common. Extreme heat can affect anyone, but the risk is higher for older adults, infants and young children, people who live alone, outdoor workers, people without air conditioning, and people with chronic health conditions.
Heat can build up indoors, especially in apartments, top-floor units, small spaces, and homes with direct afternoon sun.
Before:
- Know where you can go to cool down, such as Esquimalt Recreation Centre during regular opening hours, a library, mall, community centre, or a friend’s home.
- Identify the coolest room in your home, preferably away from direct sunlight.
- Keep extra water, shelf-stable food, a fan, light clothing, medications, and a thermometer on hand.
- Make a simple cooling plan, including where you will go, how you will get there, and who you will check on.
- Plan to check on neighbours, friends, and family, especially those who live alone or may be more affected by heat.
- Sign up for Esquimalt Alert and follow trusted weather and health updates.
During a heat event:
- Drink water regularly, even if you are not thirsty.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, usually between 1 pm and 5 pm.
- Close blinds or curtains during peak heat to block the sun.
- Use fans safely, and open windows overnight or early in the morning if it is cooler outside and safe to do so.
- Use damp cloths, cool showers, or foot baths to help lower body temperature.
- Spend time in a cooler location if your home becomes too hot.
- Never leave people or pets in parked vehicles.
After the event:
- Continue to drink fluids and rest.
- Check on people who may have been affected by the heat.
- Watch for signs of heat illness, including dizziness, confusion, fainting, headache, rapid breathing, or feeling very weak.
- If someone has signs of heat stroke, such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or a very high body temperature, call 911.
- Think about what worked, what did not, and what you may need to update in your cooling plan.
Resources:
What to expect:
Severe weather can include heavy rain, strong winds, snow, freezing conditions, and sudden storms. These events can knock out power, damage trees, block roads, impact travel, and interrupt daily services.
Storms can happen quickly, so it helps to prepare before warnings are issued.
Before:
- Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage bins, umbrellas, and other items that could blow away.
- Clear leaves and debris from drains, gutters, balconies, and walkways where safe to do so.
- Charge phones, power banks, and battery-powered devices.
- Keep flashlights, batteries, warm clothing, blankets, food, water, and medications ready.
- Avoid relying on candles. Use flashlights or battery lanterns instead.
- Know how to manually open your garage door or building entrance if the power goes out.
- Sign up for Esquimalt Alert and follow weather updates from trusted sources.
During a storm or high wind warning:
- Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
- Keep away from windows during strong winds.
- Do not walk or drive through flooded areas.
- Treat all downed lines as dangerous and stay at least 10 metres away.
- Use flashlights or battery lanterns instead of candles.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible during a power outage.
- Report downed trees, blocked roads, or damaged public infrastructure to the appropriate service provider.
After:
- Check your property for damage when it is safe to do so.
- Stay away from downed power lines, damaged trees, or unstable structures.
- Follow BC Hydro guidance for power outages and electrical safety.
- If fridge has been without power for too long, follow food safety guidance before eating it.
- Check on neighbours, especially older adults, people who live alone, and anyone who may need help.
- Review what worked, what did not, and what supplies or contacts you should update before the next storm.
What to expect:
Outages can happen after storms, earthquakes, or equipment failure. In major events, power could be out for days. Be ready to manage without heat, light, cooking, and phone charging.
Before:
- Store flashlights (not candles), batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
- Keep your phone charged and have a backup power source if possible.
- Have extra blankets, water, and ready-to-eat food.
- Know how to manually open garage doors and use non-electric options.
During:
- Use flashlights or battery lanterns for light.
- Limit fridge/freezer opening to preserve food.
- Avoid carbon monoxide risks: never use BBQs or generators indoors.
- Listen to radio updates or check the BC Hydro outage map.
After:
- Check food safety—when in doubt, throw it out.
- Restock your kit and charge your backup power once power is restored.
- Report downed lines or hazards to BC Hydro.
Resources:
What to expect:
While Esquimalt is not in a wildfire risk zone, structure fires and smoke from regional wildfires can still pose serious risks.
Before:
- Install and test smoke alarms monthly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
- Plan and practice two ways out of every room.
- Prepare a grab-and-go bag in case of a sudden evacuation.
During (structure fire):
- Get low and go. Crawl under smoke.
- Leave belongings. Get everyone out fast.
- Call 911 from outside. Never re-enter a burning building.
During (smoke event):
- Stay indoors, close windows and doors.
- Use an air purifier or set up a clean-air room.
- Reduce physical activity and avoid smoking or burning indoors.
After (structure fire):
- If you have insurance, contact your provider as soon as possible to start a claim and begin the recovery process.
- If you don’t have insurance or need immediate help, Emergency Support Services (ESS) may provide short-term support such as accommodation, food, and basic needs.
- Do not re-enter the building until it has been declared safe.
After (smoke event):
- Ventilate your space by opening windows and doors once the air quality improves.
- Replace air filters or clean purifier units if used during the event.
- Wash bedding, clothing, and surfaces that may have absorbed smoke.
- Check in on children, older adults, or anyone with breathing issues, as they may feel the effects longer.
- Restock any supplies used, especially masks, filters, or medications.
Resources:
What to expect:
Less common, but still important to understand. These include:
- Hazardous Materials Spills (e.g., from vehicles, industry, or transport)
- Air Quality Events (including from wildfires, chemical leaks, or dust storms)
- Infectious Disease or Pandemic Events
General tips:
- Follow instructions from health or emergency officials.
- Shelter-in-place if advised (e.g., stay indoors, close ventilation).
- Use masks or filters if air quality is poor.
- Keep a stock of medications and hygiene supplies.