The seismograph at the Pacific Geoscience Centre when the 2.3-magnitude earthquake struck seven kilometres north of Langford on March 6, 2018. An Ipsos poll says earthquakes are the top hazard concern for Vancouver Island residents.
Earthquakes are considered the top hazard concern among Vancouver Island residents in an Ipsos poll released Monday and commisioned by Emergency Management B.C.
The survey of 1,200 British Columbians was taken for the province to gauge the knowledge and preparedness of residents of particular hazards to their communities.
250 people were polled from Vancouver Island and 80 per cent listed earthquakes as a hazard that most concerns them.
An extended power outage was next at 54 per cent followed by severe weather and wildfires at 49 per cent.
Tsunamis were fifth on the list for Vancouver Island at 38 per cent.
When it comes to being insured for a hazard, 52 per cent on the Island said they have earthquake insurance and 35 per cent have coverage in case of a flood.
Although 60 per cent of those on Vancouver Island say they have an emergency response plan, 45 per cent say it is only a partial plan, compared to 16 per cent with a complete plan.
“Unfortunately, an actual emergency is the wake-up call for far too many of us. By then, it’s too late,” Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness Jennifer Rice said in a release.
Personal laziness is listed as the most likely reason an emergency plan has not been formed for Islanders at 27 per cent and 23 per cent say there is a lack of knowledge of what to include.
While earthquakes are the top concern on the coast, wildfires head the list in the B.C. interior, with 73 per cent for the south interior and 77 per cent for the north.
The poll also reports 76 per cent of respondents from Vancouver Island have three days worth of food, water and emergency supplies.
Andy Neal
