Navigating Hazards, Risks, and Preparedness in Cowichan
Cowichan North Interior
Cowichan North Interior: Overview
The “Cowichan North Interior” area is in the eastern part of the region, nestled above Duncan. It includes most of the Municipality of North Cowichan (excluding the northern part of the municipality along the coast) and the Halalt 2 reserve land to the north. This area includes urban and suburban centres, forested areas, mountains, and Pi'paam or Shquw'utsun (Mt. Tzouhalem).
Emergency Management Cowichan (EMC) acknowledges that the Cowichan North Interior area is where for thousands of years the Halalt People have walked gently on these unceded territories.
About This Tool: You are viewing the Navigating Hazards, Risks, and Preparedness tool. This interactive resource serves to share information from the Cowichan Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability, and Resiliency Assessment. Learn more at the Emergency Management Cowichan’s (EMC) website .
Scroll down for risks affecting this area or use the navigation bar above.
What Risks Do We Face?
The Cowichan Region Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability, and Resiliency Assessment identified priority hazards to focus regional emergency preparedness efforts. Visit the EMC website to learn more.
Within the “Cowichan North Interior” area, lake, river, and stream flooding , security incident , hazardous material release and extreme heat are highlighted for local preparedness efforts, given the proximity of the Cowichan and Chemainus rivers to residential areas, the vital role that Highway 1 plays in connecting the region to the rest of Vancouver Island and the mainland, and adjacent industries in this area. Other hazards may also be a concern.
Scroll down or use the navigation bar above to explore each hazard, understand the risks your community faces, and consider what you can do for emergency preparedness.
Hazard
Risk
Lake, River, and Stream Flooding
Definition: Lake, river, and stream flooding happens when there is an overflow from a lake, river, or stream onto land in the floodplain that is normally dry.
About this hazard: Lake, river, stream flooding is prevalent along the Cowichan and Chemanius river, increasing risks to homes, transportation routes, and public safety.
With climate change, lake, river, and stream flooding is becoming more frequent and severe, as rainfall intensities increase.
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Lake, River, and Stream Flooding: What are examples of key impacts?
- Property and road damage.
- Loss of community connections.
- Ecosystem damage.
Lake, River, and Stream Flooding: Who might be impacted?
- People living or working directly adjacent to rivers, including First Nations communities, who may experience impacts to their safety, home, place of work or belongings.
- Renters or those without flood insurance.
- Seniors, people with disabilities, and children may need more time and supports when evacuating.
- People who speak languages other than English may have limited access to emergency updates.
Lake, River, and Stream Flooding: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of a coastal storm or other emergency happening in your area.
- Visit the EMC website for information on flood preparedness and actions to take during a flood.
- Understand potential flood impacts by assessing whether your place is in a floodplain, and whether you have any flood protection and property flood insurance.
- Move important belongings from the basement or place items up on shelves.
- Create an evacuation plan in case of a flood and develop alternate routes to get to work or school in case of flooded roadways.
Security Incident
Definition: A security incident is an act or interruption that poses a major threat to society. Examples include riots, demonstrations, bomb threats, active shooters, etc.
About this hazard: Security incidents are more prevalent in denser, urban areas like the “Cowichan North Interior” area due to higher population, landmarks that may be targets for disruption, and community dynamics.
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Security Incident: What are examples of key impacts?
- Injury or death.
- Utility disruptions.
- Decreased economic opportunities.
Security Incident: Who might be impacted?
- People in the direct vicinity of the security incident may be asked to shelter in place or evacuate.
- Serious implications to life safety may be at play depending on the nature of the security incident.
- People seeking medical care may not be able to access a hospital or clinic.
- Children may not be able to attend school or may be sheltered in place at school.
Security Incident: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of a security incident or other emergency happening in your area.
- Contact emergency authorities (e.g., call 9-1-1) and follow their instructions.
- Ensure safety for yourself and others.
- Prepare to shelter in place if you can access a secure location, or to evacuate following emergency responder directions.
- Make a plan for how to communicate with loved ones to keep them updated.
Hazardous Material Release
Definition: A hazardous material (HazMat) release is any uncontrolled release of material (e.g. toxic gases, radioactive material, acids, chemicals, gas, or oil spills), either in transit or at a fixed location, that poses an immediate threat to health, safety, and property. Sources include industrial sites, ports, marinas, boats, railways, and roadways.
About this hazard: Hazardous material releases are a key hazard in the “Cowichan Interior” area due to population density, prevalence of industrial uses, and cascading impacts of closing Highway 1 due to proximity to spills.
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HazMat Release: What are examples of key impacts?
- Ecosystem damage.
- Injury or death due to exposure.
- Disrupted business operations.
HazMat Release: Who might be impacted?
- People who live near the hazardous material release.
- People with chronic health conditions.
- Seniors and children who may be more sensitive to contaminants.
- People who are reliant on local foods and harvesting.
- Animals, plants, and other species (e.g. sea birds by oil spills).
HazMat Release: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of a hazardous material release or other emergency happening in your area.
- Prepare for sheltering in place in your home or workplace, including having food, water, and emergency supplies.
- Keep N95 face masks on hand, purchase a portable air filter, or look into how to make your own air filter in case of poor air quality.
- Call 8-1-1 operated by HealthLinkBC for health advice on managing poor air quality.
- Check local seafood harvesting conditions, such as through the First Nations Health Authority’s We All Take Care of the Harvest (WATCH) program.
Extreme Heat
Definition: Extreme heat occurs when temperatures are significantly above average. Extreme heat warnings are given when daytime temperatures are over 29 °C and overnight temperatures do not fall below 16 °C for at least 48 hours.
About this hazard: Extreme heat is a hazard that poses several risks to the Cowichan region. Vancouver Island’s inland areas in particular can experience prolonged periods of hot and dry weather during the summer and can exacerbate existing drought, air quality, and wildfire risk conditions.
Climate change is bringing longer, more severe heat waves and hotter nights.
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Extreme Heat: What are examples of key impacts?
- Severe health impacts.
- Unsafe temperatures at work (indoor and outdoor).
- Ecosystem damage, including marine mass mortality events.
Extreme Heat: Who might be impacted?
- Seniors, children, and people with disabilities who are more sensitive to heat related illness.
- People without air conditioning or access to cooling centres.
- People with pre-existing conditions or on particular medications.
- People who are unhoused or experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
- Rural communities where access to emergency services and health care facilities may be more limited.
- Animal, plant, and ecosystem damage and loss.
Extreme Heat: What can you do?
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of extreme temperatures or other emergency happening in your area.
- Visit the EMC website for information on extreme heat preparedness and actions to take during an extreme heat event.
- Stay hydrated and try to get to cooler spaces.
- Plan to check on neighbours and relatives who may be vulnerable to heat. If you are vulnerable, plan to connect with someone to let them know how you are coping.
- Purchase an air conditioner or box fan to cool down your home. Invite neighbours who don’t have air conditioning over to cool down.
Building Resilience
The Cowichan region is a region of community resilience. Here are some stories about how residents and organizations are building resilience across the region. These stories may provide useful insights and strategies that could be beneficial in your local area.
Learn More
To learn more about the information presented in this portal, visit:
- Visit the Emergency Management Cowichan website to stay informed.
- Sign up for Cowichan Alert to be notified of emergencies in the region.
- Join a Neighbourhood Preparedness Team to help emergency response on the ground.
- Curious how to bring in this content into the classroom? Add the “Master of Disaster” program to your curriculum.
- Questions? Email general@emcowichan.ca for more information.
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