Hazards that could affect our city

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

Know your hazards

Understanding what can happen in an emergency allows us to take steps now to reduce risks and prepare for future challenges.

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

Hazards

Earthquakes
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
- Review PreparedBC's Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness Guide for essential safety tips and preparation strategies
- Learn more about earthquake preparedness and join the annual drill at ShakeOut BC
Extreme heat
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
Droughts
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
Snowstorms 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
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
Windstorms and power outages
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 outages
- Safe food storage, cooking, and staying warm
- Transportation disruptions
Disease outbreaks
Large structure fires
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 spills
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 materials
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 disturbances
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