Hazards that could affect our city

Emergencies and disasters have happened in Vancouver in the past and can happen again. Learn about the hazards that could become emergencies and how to prepare for them.

Having an emergency plan and supplies will help with most hazards. Specific hazards may require additional preparations.

Hazard & Risk Explorer

In this interactive Hazard & Risk Explorer, we review 4 key hazards: earthquake, extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and coastal flooding.

Navigate through the hazards to learn about the risks, how you can prepare, and steps the City is taking to mitigate and prepare.

Launch the Hazard & Risk Explorer

Hazards

Earthquake
Thousands of earthquakes happen in BC every year, but most are so small that we can’t feel them. Vancouver is at daily risk of a damaging, life-changing earthquake.

What you should plan for
- Damaged buildings and infrastructure
- Disruptions to power, telecommunications, water, and sewer utilities
Resources
Extreme heat

Extreme heat occurs when temperatures reach dangerous levels. With climate change, we can expect more frequent and severe extreme heat events.

Extreme heat is responsible for more weather-related deaths in Canada in an average year than any other hazard.

What you should plan for

Where to stay cool, how to stay cool, and who to check on

Resources

Launch the Hazard & Risk Explorer to learn more about extreme heat in Vancouver
Wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke is a major cause of poor air quality and air pollution in Vancouver. It consists of gases and small particles from burning trees, buildings, and other materials.

Inhaling these small particles, known as PM2.5, can cause mild to severe health effects.

What you should plan for

Where to find cleaner air and how to reduce your exposure to poor air quality

Resources

Launch the Hazard & Risk Explorer to learn more about wildfire smoke and poor air quality in Vancouver
Drought
Droughts are long periods of dry conditions and water shortages.

Drought conditions can have serious impacts on food and agricultural systems and local ecology. Though drought conditions have not had serious impacts to drinking water in Vancouver to date, it may in the future.

Droughts can also increase the risks from other hazards including wildfires, flooding, and landslides.

What you should plan for
- Understanding watering restrictions
- Adapting to drought conditions
Snowstorm and extreme cold
While Vancouver is relatively temperate, cold, snow, and icy conditions can and will continue to happen.

Snowstorms often disrupt travel in many areas. They can be dangerous for people at risk, such as those experiencing homelessness and those with low mobility.

What you should plan for
- How to stay warm and snow and ice removal
- Transportation disruptions
Coastal flooding and sea level rise
Coastal flooding is caused by a combination of events including high tide, storm surge, and high winds. It can cause damage to the seawall, beaches, docks, pools, and piers.

With rising sea levels, coastal flooding will worsen and affect more areas of Vancouver.

What you should plan for
- Property damage
- Evacuation
Resources

Launch the Hazard & Risk Explorer to learn more about coastal flooding and sea level rise in Vancouver
Extreme rainfall
Heavy or long periods of rain can overload city drainage systems. This leads to localized flooding.

What you should plan for
- Property damage
- Transportation disruptions
Windstorm and power outage
High winds and powerful wind gusts during windstorms can cause damage to trees, powerlines, and property. This can cause power outages that can be localized or widespread and can last for hours or sometimes days.

What you should plan for
- Power outage
- Safe food storage, cooking, and staying warm
- Transportation disruptions
Disease outbreak
Large structure fire
Fires in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings can lead to:
- Property damage
- Displacement of residents and businesses
- Injuries
- In rare cases, death
House and building fires can spread quickly and emit heavy smoke that make it difficult to see and breathe. In 2023, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) responded to more fires than ever before.

What you should plan for
- Fire safety
- Evacuation
- Reuniting with loved ones
Coastal spill
Coastal spills release hazardous substances, such as oil or chemicals, into sensitive marine or water environments.

Impacts of these spills can include:
- Contaminating water
- Harming marine life
- Damaging habitats
- Disrupting the delicate balance of local ecosystems
What you should plan for
- Evacuation and shelter-in-place
- How we respond to oil spills
Hazardous material release
Hazardous material releases can occur in various locations, including places where these materials are stored, transported, or treated. While these emergencies are rare, they can have serious consequences.

These incidents are extremely difficult to predict.

Types of hazardous materials
- Chemicals
- Radiation
- Biohazard materials
- Oil and gas
- Propane
- Flammable materials
- Industrial products
- Mixed waste
What you should plan for

Evacuation and shelter-in-place
Public disturbance
Public disturbances vary in size from small events to large riots. An example is the 2011 Stanley Cup riot, where over 100 people were injured. This event resulted in economic losses exceeding 3.5 million dollars.

What you should plan for
- Personal safety
- Reuniting with loved ones

Hazard, Risk, and Vulnerability Analysis (HRVA) report
The HRVA completed in 2024 is a high-level study of the hazards that may impact Vancouver and the potential consequences to people, property, environment, economy, and critical infrastructure.

The analysis in the report helps the City to develop strategies and actions to reduce risks in Vancouver and build resilience.

Related documents
- HRVA Council Report (750 KB)
- Council presentation (2 MB)