Several times in the last few years, the Alberni Valley has been placed under a "tsunami advisory".  The most recent occasions were on October 27, 2012 after the 7.7 M earthquake off Haida Gwaii and following the 7.7 M quake near Alaska on January 5, 2013.
A tsunami advisory is issued by West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Centre (WCATWC) when a tsunami with the potential to cause strong local currents or waves is generated.  These currents can be dangerous to those in or near the water.  In an advisory, significant inundation is NOT expected.  Actions that may be taken include closing beaches and evacuating harbours and marinas. 
The Alberni Valley emergency response to a tsunami advisory begins with a message to the Port Alberni Fire Department, the CAO of the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District and myself within minutes of the event, day or night.  The information is then relayed by pager and/or email to those who may be impacted by any strong, unusual wave action in the inlet.  This includes the Port Alberni Port Authority, Catalyst Paper, Western Forest Products, Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, and to other members of the Alberni Valley Emergency Planning Committee.  Each agency then activates it's own emergency plan as required.  Local media are also notified to ensure the correct local information is provided to Alberni Valley residents. (An alert message will be posted on Alberni.ca)
Updates are provided at regular intervals to continue, expand/contract affected areas, upgrade to a warning, or cancel the advisory.
Look for information on tsunami warnings in next week's post. For more information on advisories, or any other emergency planning topic, please contact me at [email protected] or laurie_l'[email protected]