When most people think about what could go wrong in the Alberni Valley, tsunamis and earthquakes are the top of the list.  With the extensive planning and public education that continues for our tsunami response, and our tsunami warning system, it’s not a surprise that a tsunami is the first thing that comes to mind.  However, we do have comprehensive plans for a number of other emergency events.
 
After an earthquake/tsunami event, our second most likely emergency event is a wildland urban interface fire.  A wildland–urban interface refers to the zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development.   Communities in the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District fall into this category as so much of our development is backed up against the forest.  Forest fires can spread at an astonishing rate.  We’ve all seen the media coverage of homes and property impacted by wildfire in the interior of BC over the last several years.   (I remember the Taylor Arm forest fire in the late sixties.  It isolated the West Coast for an extended period. )  In 2010, a Community Wildfire Protection Plan was developed for the ACRD to identify the areas at highest risk for an interface fire.  The Wildfire Protection Branch of the Ministry of Forests produces the “Home Owners Fire Smart Manual”.  This brochure is available online, through the Valley fire departments, or through me and shows how homeowners can safeguard their property against the impact of a wildfire. 
 
Severe weather events include heavy rain, flooding, high winds and snowstorms.  All of these can damage homes and property, block roads and cause evacuations.   Other parts of the province continue to be impacted by serious flooding and many families have been forced to leave their homes for extended periods.  At the beginning of each winter season, City of Port Alberni staff go through and refresh the extreme weather emergency plans.
 
Some people may remember when a tanker truck carrying liquid propane overturned at Johnson Rd and Tebo Ave several years ago.  Propane gas began leaking when a valve was damaged on impact with the pavement.  The surrounding area within one block was evacuated and responders were prepared to evacuate a further four blocks if it became necessary.  Tanker trucks carrying gasoline still travel through the Alberni Valley.  Managing a hazardous materials spill/leak is a possibility we may be faced with again.
 
These are some of the events that can, and, have happened locally.  An earthquake and tsunami would have an immediate effect on the Alberni Valley.  Things like forest fires and severe weather events may develop more slowly, but the effect on our community could be just as devastating as a tsunami without emergency plans in place to respond to the event and help the affected residents.