The Community Spotlight series highlights communities, organizations and individuals who are taking innovative actions to help build resilient communities. This year 28 communities are hosting High Ground Hikes to practice their tsunami preparedness. Port Edward and Huu-ay-aht First Nation hosted their first High Ground Hikes in April and are already looking forward to next year.
Bring the community together
Community was an essential part of High Ground Hike for event organizers Daphne Thomson (Director of Legislative Services, Port Edward) and Sean Flickinger (Emergency Program Coordinator, Huu-ay-aht First Nation).
In Port Edward, the volunteer fire department, the local trails society, ground search and rescue and Prince Rupert Recreation all joined forces to raise awareness about tsunami preparedness. Their partnership boosted participation and gave community members the opportunity to meet the people behind emergency management.
In Huu-ay-aht First Nation, the community focused on neighbourhood connections. They checked in on vulnerable residents and made sure every Elder knew they could get a ride during a real evacuation. In addition, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District and the Bamfield Community Emergency Program helped to organize the High Ground Hike and support technical skills, like testing the siren and radio communications.
Bringing the community together gave everyone a chance to learn. Sean keenly noted that he gained new insights from the Huu-ay-aht and Nuu‑chah‑nulth people, learning about their deep cultural knowledge about tsunamis.
Practice emergency communications
Both Port Edward and Huu-ay-aht First Nation used the High Ground Hike to test their tsunami warning sirens. This gave community members a chance to hear the sound, so they know what to expect in a real emergency.
Prior to activating the siren, Sean reached out to the Bamfield Community Emergency Program to establish communication via radio. The team practiced their radio calls, tested their processes and solved any issues in a safe setting. They then applied these lessons from the drill to make their warning system more reliable.
Celebrate and build on community connections
With participants of all ages (and many furry friends), High Ground Hike is a great opportunity to celebrate community connections that are unique to an area.
In Port Edward, participants started at the District Office muster point. They toured the new fire truck and attended a tsunami preparedness talk from the fire chief. Next, the group walked up to the water treatment plant along a special trail that isn’t always open to the public. At the top, ground search and rescue team members welcomed them and showed off their vehicles before everyone enjoyed a BBQ lunch.
Participants from Huu-ay-aht First Nation also enjoyed a lunch at the Bamfield Fire Hall where they met up with school children who participated in their own High Ground Hike in Bamfield.
Get prepared for a tsunami
A big congratulations to every community that has hosted, or plans to host a High Ground Hike this year. Your enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to community preparedness is appreciated!
Build on your tsunami preparedness:
- Visit PreparedBC.ca/tsunamis for more information about tsunami preparedness
- If you plan to travel this spring or summer, check out the BC Hazard map to discover the hazards you may need to prepare for
- If you’re curious about hosting a High Ground Hike in 2026, please reach out to PreparedBC@gov.bc.ca