Navigating Hazards, Risks, and Preparedness in Cowichan
Gulf Islands
Gulf Islands: Overview
The “Gulf Islands” area includes Valdez, Thetis, and Penelakut Islands in the northeast corner of the Cowichan region, with the following First Nation reserve lands: Tent Island Reserve No. 8, Penelakut Island Reserve No. 7, Lyacksun Reserve No. 3, Shingle Point Reserve No. 4, and Portier Pass Reserve No. 5. Given the island nature, coastal and marine risks are prevalent while access and mobility can create vulnerabilities.
Emergency Management Cowichan (EMC) acknowledges that the Gulf Islands area is where for thousands of years the Penelakut and Lyackson Peoples have walked gently on these unceded territories.
About This Tool: You are viewing the Navigating Hazards, Risks, and Preparedness tool. This interactive resource serves to share information from the Cowichan Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability, and Resiliency Assessment. Learn more at the Emergency Management Cowichan’s (EMC) website .
Scroll down for risks affecting this area or use the navigation bar above.
What Risks Do We Face?
The Cowichan Region Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability, and Resiliency Assessment identified priority hazards to focus regional emergency preparedness efforts. Visit the EMC website to learn more.
In the “Gulf Islands” area, coastal flooding , hazardous material release , windstorms , and extreme heat are highlighted for local preparedness efforts. The isolated coastal nature of the islands contributes to limited access to first responders, power outages, and other infrastructure disruptions. Other hazards may also be a concern.
Scroll down or use the navigation bar above to explore each hazard, understand the risks your community faces, and consider what you can do for emergency preparedness.
Hazard
Risk
Coastal Flooding
Definition: Coastal flooding occurs when ocean water rises above usual levels due to storm surge, tides, waves, wind effects, or rising sea levels.
About this hazard: Coastal flooding is a key hazard for islands due to their unique geographical and environmental characteristics, making them susceptible to rising sea levels, storm surges, and erosion.
Climate change is increasing the risk of coastal flooding, as sea levels are rising and coastal storms are becoming more frequent and severe.
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Coastal Flooding: What are examples of key impacts?
- Property and road damage.
- Loss of community connections.
- Ecosystem damage.
Coastal Flooding: Who might be impacted?
- People who live along the shoreline, especially First Nations communities and people who may need more support.
- Commuters who regularly rely on ferry services.
- Renters or residents without flood insurance.
- Recreational users or tourists who may not be able to access the shoreline due to safety concerns.
Coastal Flooding: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of a coastal storm or other emergency happening in your area.
- Visit the EMC website for information on flood preparedness and actions to take during a flood.
- Understand potential flood impacts by assessing whether your place is in a floodplain, and whether you have any flood protection and property flood insurance.
- Move important belongings from the basement or place items up on shelves.
- Create an evacuation plan in case of a flood and develop alternate routes to get to work or school in case of flooded roadways.
Hazardous Material Release
Definition: A hazardous material (HazMat) release is any uncontrolled release of material (e.g. toxic gases, radioactive material, acids, chemicals, gas, or oil spills), either in transit or at a fixed location, that poses an immediate threat to health, safety, and property. Sources include industrial sites, ports, marinas, boats, railways, and roadways.
About this hazard: Hazardous material releases are a key hazard for island communities with unique and sensitive island ecosystems and biodiversity. These communities rely on fishing, gathering, and other ecosystem functions for both economic and cultural sustainability.
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HazMat Release: What are examples of key impacts?
- Ecosystem damage.
- Injury or death due to exposure.
- Disrupted business operations.
HazMat Release: Who might be impacted?
- People who live near the hazardous material release.
- People with chronic health conditions.
- Seniors and children who may be more sensitive to contaminants.
- People who are reliant on local foods and harvesting.
- Animals, plants, and other species (e.g. sea birds by oil spills).
HazMat Release: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of a hazardous material release or other emergency happening in your area.
- Prepare for sheltering in place in your home or workplace, including having food, water, and emergency supplies.
- Keep N95 face masks on hand, purchase a portable air filter, or look into how to make your own air filter in case of poor air quality.
- Call 8-1-1 operated by HealthLinkBC for health advice on managing poor air quality.
- Check local seafood harvesting conditions, such as through the First Nations Health Authority’s We All Take Care of the Harvest (WATCH) program.
Windstorms
Definition: Windstorms consist of strong wind gusts and high wind speed. They are often associated with heavy rain, storms, and extratropical cyclones and can cause damage to power lines and property.
About this hazard: Windstorms pose a significant threat to island communities due to their high exposure. This hazard often occurs along with heavy rain and storm surges (coastal flooding).
Climate change heightens the risk of windstorms by causing more extreme weather events.
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Windstorms: What are examples of key impacts?
- Power outages and road closures.
- Supply chain impacts.
- Limited recreation access.
Windstorms: Who might be impacted?
- People along the shoreline may experience impacts to their safety and homes.
- People may experience unsafe driving conditions.
- People with chronic health conditions or needing access to health services.
- People without an alternate heat source during a power outage.
- Recreational users who may not be able to safely be outside.
Windstorms: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of a windstorm or other emergency happening in your area.
- Visit the EMC website for information on actions to take during power outages caused by windstorms .
- Dress appropriately for the weather and avoid exposure to extreme wind.
- Ensure your safety when you stay at home during windstorms.
- Be mindful of driving or walking conditions as certain areas may be obstructed or unsafe such as areas with downed power lines.
Extreme Heat
Definition: Extreme heat occurs when temperatures are significantly above average. Extreme heat warnings are given when daytime temperatures are over 29 °C and overnight temperatures do not fall below 16 °C for at least 48 hours.
About this hazard: Extreme heat is a hazard that poses several risks to the Cowichan region. Vancouver Island’s inland areas in particular can experience prolonged periods of hot and dry weather during the summer and can exacerbate existing drought, air quality, and wildfire risk conditions.
Climate change is bringing longer, more severe heat waves and hotter nights.
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Extreme Heat: What are examples of key impacts?
- Severe health impacts.
- Unsafe temperatures at work (indoor and outdoor).
- Ecosystem damage, including marine mass mortality events.
Extreme Heat: Who might be impacted?
- Seniors, children, and people with disabilities who are more sensitive to heat related illness.
- People without air conditioning or access to cooling centres.
- People with pre-existing conditions or on particular medications.
- People who are unhoused or experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
- Rural communities where access to emergency services and health care facilities may be more limited.
- Animal, plant, and ecosystem damage and loss.
Extreme Heat: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of extreme temperatures or other emergency happening in your area.
- Visit the EMC website for information on extreme heat preparedness and actions to take during a extreme heat event.
- Stay hydrated and try to get to cooler spaces.
- Plan to check on neighbours and relatives who may be vulnerable to heat. If you are vulnerable, plan to connect with someone to let them know how you are coping.
- Purchase an air conditioner or box fan to cool down your home. Invite neighbours who don’t have air conditioning over to cool down.
Building Resilience
The Cowichan region is a region of community resilience. Here are some stories about how residents and organizations are building resilience across the region. These stories may provide useful insights and strategies that could be beneficial in your local area.
Learn More
To learn more about the information presented in this portal, visit:
- Visit the Emergency Management Cowichan website to stay informed.
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of emergencies in the region.
- Join a Neighbourhood Preparedness Team to help emergency response on the ground.
- Curious how to bring in this content into the classroom? Add the “Master of Disaster” program to your curriculum.
- Questions? Email general@emcowichan.ca for more information.
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