Emergency Preparedness

Under the Emergency Preparedness Act, Toquaht Nation must maintain an essential level of preparedness for emergencies and disasters on Toquaht lands. We are committed to implementing our emergency preparedness and response plans to ensure the safety of the community and first responders. 

Macoah Emergency Team (MET)

Ongoing training and emergency drill activities occur throughout the year for the Macoah Emergency Team (MET). Every year we build our capacity by purchasing equipment to enhance their capabilities and effectiveness such as communications equipment, personal protective equipment, and installing fire boxes. In 2023, we installed a new tsunami siren that will ensure that the community is alerted in the event of a tsunami and must evacuate to higher ground.

Emergency Alerts and Notifications in Macoah

There are emergency tsunami sirens in both Macoah and Secret beach. Tests are run on the first day of every month at 12 p.m., so be aware if you’re in the area, and listen for the test notification.

There are two annual full-scale testing and evacuation exercises that are also done led by the Macoah Emergency Management team; the annual High Ground Hike, traditionally during the BC Tsunami Preparedness Week in the spring, and during the fall annual Great Shake Out earthquake preparedness exercise, led by the BC Government.

The Macoah Emergency Management team recommends downloading the free Voyant Alert app or subscribing to the email, phone call or text-based alerts. The alert covers the community of Macoah and is an excellent, real-time resource. Information on how to subscribe is on the Toquaht news page.

Resources

If you’re looking for some help in preparing an emergency kit, or a grab and go bag, please see below. Consider downloading and using the Prepared BC’s Help/OK signs for your house, too!

Emergency Kit checklist

Grab and Go bag checklist

Emergency sign for your home – HELP / OK