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If you live near British Columbia’s coastline, tsunami preparedness should be more than just something you hear about on the news once a year.

April 12–18 marks Tsunami Preparedness Week in BC, and it serves as an important reminder for homeowners and families in coastal communities to understand their risks, review their emergency plans, and make sure they know what to do if disaster strikes.

At Schill Insurance, we believe protecting your home starts with understanding your exposures—not just buying a policy and hoping for the best. So in recognition of Tsunami Preparedness Week, we’re breaking down what BC homeowners need to know about tsunami risk, emergency planning, and an important insurance gap many people don’t realize exists.

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What Is Tsunami Preparedness Week in British Columbia?

Tsunami Preparedness Week is recognized annually by the Province of British Columbia to help educate residents on tsunami hazards, evacuation planning, and emergency readiness.

In 2026, Tsunami Preparedness Week runs from April 12 to April 18 and includes community education initiatives, emergency planning resources, and local preparedness events across the province.

The goal is simple: help British Columbians understand tsunami risk before an emergency happens.

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Why Does BC Have Tsunami Risk?

British Columbia has the highest tsunami risk in Canada due to its location along the Pacific coastline and proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone—a major fault line stretching from Northern California to Vancouver Island.

Scientists believe there is approximately a 15% chance of a major Cascadia earthquake occurring within the next 50 years, with the potential to trigger significant tsunami activity along parts of BC’s coastline.

While not every coastal community faces the same level of exposure, tsunami risk remains a serious consideration for residents living near the ocean, particularly on Vancouver Island and other west coast communities.

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Know Your Tsunami Notification Zone

The Province has divided BC’s coastline into five tsunami notification zones to help emergency officials issue alerts quickly and effectively.

Knowing your zone can help you understand your level of exposure and how emergency warnings may impact your area.

If you’re unsure which zone your property falls within, PreparedBC offers a full tsunami zone map online.

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What Should You Do During a Tsunami Warning?

If you are near the coast and experience a strong earthquake or receive a tsunami warning, emergency officials recommend taking immediate action:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On during the earthquake.
Protect yourself from falling debris or injury while shaking is occurring.

Move to high ground immediately once the shaking stops.
Do not wait for additional instructions if you are in a tsunami-prone area.

Remain in a safe location until officials issue an all-clear.
Tsunami waves often arrive in multiple surges over several hours.

Avoid shorelines and beaches.
Even small tsunami surges can create dangerous currents and flooding.

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High Ground Hikes Help BC Residents Prepare

One of the most practical preparedness initiatives offered during Tsunami Preparedness Week is the Province’s High Ground Hike program.

These organized community walks help residents practice real evacuation routes and become familiar with designated tsunami-safe areas in their neighbourhoods.

To view the current list of participating communities and upcoming event dates, visit the BC Government’s official High Ground Hike page.

Even if your area is not participating, taking time to review your evacuation route with your household is a smart preparedness step.

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Does Home Insurance Cover Tsunami Damage in BC?

This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask—and the answer often surprises people.

Tsunami and tidal flooding are typically excluded under standard home insurance policies and most enhanced water damage endorsements offered by standard insurers. Coverage may vary by insurer and policy wording, so homeowners should review their individual policy terms carefully.

Many homeowners assume earthquake insurance automatically covers all damage resulting from an earthquake-related event, but that is not always the case.

Understanding what your policy includes—and what it excludes—is critical, especially if you own property near BC’s coastline.

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Tsunami Preparedness Checklist for BC Homeowners

If you live in or near a coastal community, here are a few important preparedness steps to take this week:

• Learn your tsunami notification zone
• Review local evacuation maps and routes
• Build or refresh your household emergency kit
• Sign up for local emergency alerts
• Practice your evacuation plan with family members
• Review your home insurance coverage and exclusions

Preparedness is one of the easiest ways to reduce panic and improve safety during an emergency.

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Final Thoughts: Be Prepared and Know Your Coverage

Living in British Columbia means enjoying one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world—but it also means understanding the natural risks that come with it.

Tsunami Preparedness Week is a great opportunity to make sure your family has a plan, your household is prepared, and your insurance coverage aligns with your needs.

If you have questions about your home insurance coverage or want help reviewing your policy, our team at Schill Insurance is here to help.

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Sources & References

• PreparedBC (Government of British Columbia): https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/earthquakes-tsunamis/tsunami
• BC Government High Ground Hike Program: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/education-programs-toolkits/high-ground-hike
• Insurance Bureau of Canada: https://www.ibc.ca/
• Natural Resources Canada Seismic Hazard Information: https://www.seismescanada.rncan.gc.ca/
• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency.html

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Coverage availability, terms, conditions, and exclusions vary by insurer and policy. This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as insurance advice. Please speak with a licensed insurance broker regarding your specific insurance needs and policy coverage.

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Schill Insurance Brokers — serving BC communities since 1972.