Icons, images and graphics are an effective way to communicate information quickly without needing to use, or rely on, text. This is especially true during emergencies, when it’s important that people have access to clear, consistent information so they can take appropriate action and stay safe. To support this, the Province has created a set of hazard and emergency icons, available on the B.C. government website.
The free icons are available to First Nations, local governments and emergency management partners to help create a consistent, accessible and recognizable way to inform people about current emergencies and potential hazards.
We encourage all communities to adopt a standard visual approach to communicating about hazards in B.C.
Why standardized icons matter during emergencies
Clear communication can save lives. During emergencies, people need to quickly understand the hazards they face. The new icons:
- Provide a consistent visual language for communicating hazard information
- Help people quickly recognize hazards
- Support language accessibility, making critical information easier to understand for people with diverse linguistic backgrounds and literacy levels
- Are accessible and meet B.C. government standards
- Will be recognizable and build familiarity as more organizations use them
By using these icons, we’re building familiarity with emergency hazards and ensuring more effective communication.
Who can use these icons
The icons are designed for use by emergency management and public safety organizations. They are available to:
- Provincial government ministries
- First Nations and local governments
- Provincial agencies and emergency response partners
Incorporating these icons into presentations, emergency plans and public materials, results in more effective communication before, during and after emergencies.
How to download and get started
Download the icons and use them in your emergency communications. The ZIP folder contains icons in colour and black and white.
For more templates and resources, such as pre-formatted social media packages, visit the public and media communications section of the local emergency response operations webpage.