Project Objectives
We are seeking map the to route the best possible disaster response path for people within the Vancouver lower mainland. Given the recent concern, we find it is necessary to map a clear response route for people to follow in the case of a natural disaster. In order to consider best possible routes for people in the case of a natural disaster, we need to consider the ideal “safe” destination for people and areas to avoid, such as a buffered area around large pipes or transmission stations that could be dangerous en route.
After meeting with Kevin Wallinger at the Vancouver Emergency Response facility, we were able to achieve more knowledge about preferred destinations for people in the case of a natural disaster. After the meeting, we established the safest destinations for people in the case of a natural disaster are local community centers; they are the ideal destination because there are emergency materials stored on location and emergency response personnel will be there to help. Our maps are based on locations of community centers and the characteristics of Vancouver’s land use and features throughout the city. Locations of major hospitals are important for people to consider in their mitigation efforts as well.
Our aim was to map the best possible plan for the safety and survival to the lower mainland population, while considering threatening areas to avoid. We wanted to provide examples of a few scenarios based on which region the individual is located during the time of the disaster. For example, individuals need to be aware of disaster response routes from home location (Kerrisdale), school location (UBC) and work location (downtown Vancouver). We also considered possible mitigation methods (suggestions of getting the information to the public/alerts ahead of time).
mitigation Methods
Knowledge is power. Planning for a large-scale natural disaster is important especially in Vancouver where there is predicted to be a large-scale earthquake due to the plate tectonics underlying the geographic location of Vancouver. People need to be aware of the potential damages a large-scale natural disaster could inflict on the city, and because of this there needs to be adequate planning ahead of time. In order for the public to prepare for such an event, and to get the necessary information out to the public there are a variety of methods and approaches, which include:
- Media – A great instrument to inform the public of possible routes and actions to take in preparation of a natural disaster. Maps and information given to the public on a regular basis will help prepare people and create a more organized response to such an event. Important information to include is simple, easy to understand maps of routes, locations of nearest community centers/hospitals, and regions to avoid due to their dangerous potential.
- Sign Posting Throughout Vancouver – Posting awareness maps throughout the city is important. For example, throughout community centers it will be important for people to be aware that this is a preferred and potentially safe destination where help and medical aid will be available.
- Modify the Loss Potential – The community can take measures that reduce its sensitivity and vulnerability.
- Adaption Approach – Recognizes the exposure to the disaster cannot be reduced, but attempt to reduce sensitivity by providing education, practice, organization and early warning. These measures reduce the loss potential by getting some people away from the impending hazard and allowing others a better chance of withstanding the event. For example, The Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver has been upgraded at considerable cost to better withstand earthquake shaking.
Machleans newspaper recently published an article this year, written by Jason Kirby and Ken Macqueen, touching on Vancouver’s risk of the “Big One” and the Shakeout earthquake drill that we all participated in this year throughout BC:
" Still, the first annual Shakeout, drew an estimated 470,000 participants, who at least invested a minute or two considering the ramifications of a quake. “We were very, very pleased with the outcome of our first campaign to think that we had nearly 500,000 participating in the drill,” says Heather Lyle, an event organizer and provincial Director of Integrated Public Safety. The fake quake, as some dubbed it, was held on the 311th anniversary of a massive Cascadia quake, which devastated parts of the Pacific Northwest, and sent a tsunami crashing into Japan. If the drill didn’t shake people out of their complacency, the subsequent quakes in Christchurch, New Zealand and now Japan have certainly driven home the potential risk, says Lyle.” The fake quake, as some dubbed it, was held on the 311th anniversary of a massive Cascadia quake, which devastated parts of the Pacific Northwest, and sent a tsunami crashing into Japan. If the drill didn’t shake people out of their complacency, the subsequent quakes in Christchurch, New Zealand and now Japan have certainly driven home the potential risk, says Lyle."
