District of Central Saanich

Emergency Preparedness Workshops
As storm season approaches, join us for an emergency preparedness Lunch & Learn! This free workshop for Central Saanich residents (with complimentary lunch) is co-hosted by Beacon Community Services, the Centre for Active Living 50+ and the District.
🗓️ Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025
🕰️ 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
📍 Centre for Active Living 50+, Lower Hall, 1229 Clarke Road

Get valuable tips from Ryan Vantreight, FireSmart Coordinator, and Lisa Banfield, Emergency Program Manager!

Learn more about:
✅ Preparing for power outages, snow and severe weather
✅ How to build a 72-hour emergency kit and grab-and-go bag
✅ What to do and how to stay informed during seasonal emergencies
✅ Proactive steps you can take now to mitigate summer wildfire risk
Space is limited—please call 250.652.4611 to register by Wednesday, Nov. 19

When a community member needs assistance or an emergency occurs, the Central Saanich Fire Department, Central Saanich Police Service, and Emergency Program are there.

Our Emergency Program is a division of the Central Saanich Fire Department. We support municipal efforts to prepare for, respond to and recover from major emergencies and disasters.

Operating out of the Central Saanich Fire Department, the District of Central Saanich's Emergency Management Division is responsible for major emergency planning, mitigation, response, and recovery for events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, extreme weather, etc. We encourage residents, businesses and organizations to prepare for emergencies. We provide expertise, free materials and resources, volunteer opportunities, emergency preparedness workshops, and an emergency notification system.

Plan. Prepare. Be Aware

Saanich Peninsula Alert

Wildfire and FireSmart Program

Extreme Heat

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Know your hazards and be prepared!

Knowing which hazards you need to plan for is the first step to getting prepared. Not sure what to prepare for? Use Emergency Management BC's hazard map to see what could occur near you.

Winter Weather

Power outages

Although most power outages last for just a few minutes, in extreme cases such as during severe weather events, outages can last for longer periods of time. Extended power outages do happen from time to time, so it makes sense to be prepared.

Think ahead and have a flashlight, electric lantern, extra batteries and candles on supply.

Remember to use candles with caution and with proper candle holders. Never leave candles unattended, as they can be a potential fire hazard. It is recommended to use flashlights or electric lanterns instead.

Prepare for possible isolation in your home and consider an alternative safe heating system. Also ensure that you have sufficient heating fuel for fire places or wood burning stoves. Every home should have smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers. Families should have a fire escape plan in place.

It is a good idea to assess the trees on your property and trim dead branches to reduce the danger of them falling onto power lines or your house during a storm.

Stay away from fallen power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and you may run the risk of electrocution. Also, remember that ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after the end of the storm.

For more information, see BC Hydro's Outage Preparation Checklist.

Extreme Heat

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Pandemic

It's important to stay informed when a pandemic is expected. You can do this by paying attention to the trusted sources below:

World Health Organization (WHO)

Health Canada

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

BC Centre for Disease Control

X(@CDCofBC)

HealthLinkBC

Island Health

Visit PreparedBC for more tools.

Check for current Public Health Alerts from HealthLinkBC.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Earthquake

Earthquakes are common in British Columbia. Around 4,000 are recorded in the province each year. Most of these earthquakes are too small to be felt, however, earthquakes strong enough to cause damage do happen. The most at-risk regions of British Columbia are along the west coast, where the threat of a destructive tsunami is also very real. Take the time to prepare. It’s important that all people in British Columbia know what to do during and after a major earthquake and tsunami.

Tsunami

A tsunami consists of a series of unusually large waves formed by a large-scale disturbance of water bodies. One of the primary causes of tsunamis is an earthquake, but tsunamis may also be triggered by landslides, volcanoes or explosions.

Although tsunamis are rare, it is important to understand the impact of a tsunami in the capital region and what to do in the event of a tsunami warning.

If you feel an earthquake that makes it difficult to stand, remember to drop, cover and hold on. Once the shaking stops, leave the Tsunami Hazard Zone. If you are located outside the Tsunami Hazard Zone, remain there and be prepared to assist family and friends in need of shelter. Stay tuned to local media for further instructions.

The Capital Region Tsunami Information Portal and interactive map allows you to explore your area and better understand the tsunami hazard risk where you live, work and frequent, as well as mapping a safe route in the event of a tsunami warning. Find tips on how to use the portal in the Tsunami Information Portal User Guide [PDF/6.7MB] (PDF).
Central Saanich is Zone D

How to Prepare

Know your risk
Prepare an emergency kit
Make an emergency plan
Plan your evacuation route in the event of a tsunami warning. This includes planning how you would get to an area outside the Tsunami Hazard Zone by foot or bicycle.
Sign up for Saanich Peninsula Alert to ensure you receive tsunami alert notifications and know there are different Tsunami Alert Levels.
To learn more about tsunami risk and/or coastal flooding due to sea level rise and storm surge on our coast visit the Capital Region Tsunami Information Portal

Prepare BC Earthquake and Tsunami Guide

During a significant event in Central Saanich, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be activated for a coordinated response to the event. We have designated receptions centres throughout the municipality and the location would be noted during the time of the event. The Reception Centre would be open to support residents who have been left their homes.

All residents in Central Saanich should be prepared for an emergency at all times. Plan to be self-sufficient for one week – local emergency responders will be overwhelmed during a significant event. Consider pets and children’s needs. It is critical that you Prepare Yourself! Understand the risks, make a household emergency plan, and get your emergency kit together.

Resources

Emergency Management BC (EMBC)
CRD Tsunami Map maps.prepareyourself.ca

Contact Information

For more information about our District's emergency plan, please contact the Emergency Program Division at 250.544.4231 or email EmergencyProgram@csaanich.ca.

Emergency Resources

Central Saanich Emergency Program	https://www.centralsaanich.ca/programs-services/emergency-services/get-…
Emergency Info BC	Find current and official information during emergencies in B.C. https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
CRD Prepare Yourself	For a wealth of resources see https://www.crd.bc.ca/prepare-yourself or stop by Station #1 on Keating for your copy of A Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region.
Emergency Management & Climate Readiness Blog	Make your Emergency Ready Plan https://blog.gov.bc.ca/emergencymanagement/emergencyready/
BC Hydro - Free portable air conditioners	If you live in an income qualified home and/or have received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner (AC). See BC Hydro website

Do you have a question or concern about something in your neighbourhood, and you’re not sure who to call and don't see it listed below?
Check out centralsaanich.ca/community-resources