Evacuating Squamish
Flooding and wildfire are hazards that could cause significant damage or destruction in Squamish. Squamish's evacuation plan outlines the steps the District would take to safely evacuate the community during an emergency event.
View the Squamish Evacuation Guide
View the Sea to Sky Multi-Modal Evacuation Plan.
Know your zone
Squamish is divided into 12 evacuation zones based on neighbourhood. In the event of an evacuation, zones will be prioritized based on the proximity of the hazard.
Know your transportation muster point
Get to know the closest central transportation muster points near where you live, work, and play. If an evacuation order is issued and you do not have a ride, go to a central muster point to connect with transportation to a safe location.
Have a plan and get a kit
Discuss with your family what you would do during an evacuation alert or order. Make a plan with emergency contacts, a designated meeting point, and consider any assistance you may need to evacuate. Build an emergency kit with water, food, and safety items to be prepared for at least 72 hours, and keep your gas tank half full.
Learn how to build your own kit.
Subscribe to SquamishAlert
Get important local emergency notifications – such as an evacuation alert or order – by phone, email or text.
Subscribe to the SquamishAlert system.
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Comments
Pennie McNutt Aug 21, 2023, 1:29 AM (16 months ago)
I imagine no one is actually getting any sleep these days, I know I’m not. I look at the evacuation plan and shutter. Super glad we are all colour coded, transportation hubs are available, and the District of Squamish seems to have a plan. However, travelling our highway on the weekends is a nightmare, I can’t imagine what it would be like if we had to evacuate all our communities quickly. I read somewhere that the anticipated time to get everyone to safety is 3 days…I mean really?! How about doubling that. I use Yellowknife as an example because it is about the same size as Squamish and has smaller communities as we do, that use the one highway in or out. Just like us. They had time to plan evacuation…do we? And where do we go? As of today we wouldn’t be able to go East or North - is there a “plan”? Keeps me up at night, how about you?
flood maps Aug 19, 2023, 6:15 AM (16 months ago)
Hello,
Thank you for this. Could you please publish specific evacuation maps for:
fires from the interior
floods caused by dam failure
floods caused by tsunami
I have not found the tsunami danger zone map or a map doing the same for the possible dam failures if there were to be a large earthquake.
Thank you very much
concerned citizen Oct 11, 2019, 10:03 PM (5 years ago)
Hello,
I'm curious what steps are being made to keep tourists informed, as well as locals?
DOS Communications Oct 11, 2019, 10:17 PM (5 years ago)
Hello concerned citizen, in the event of an emergency, information and instructions will be shared through a variety of channels, for example the District of Squamish website and social media, as well as the Squamish Alert emergency notification system (free service, if you don't already subscribe). Local media will be a big part of the communications strategy, which will help inform visitors.
In terms of raising awareness in advance, the District will be making efforts on a regular basis to help residents learn about the plan, and their role within it. We are beginning this fall to introduce it, and you can expect more info and materials to come. Thanks for the question!
Katrina Mulberry Oct 4, 2019, 9:06 PM (5 years ago)
What is the evac plan for those of us with pets ( we have 2 dogs , 1 bird, 1 fish)? We have pet emergency bag s as well as one 72 hour backpack for each of us as well as a portable kennel.
Communications Oct 4, 2019, 9:37 PM (5 years ago)
Hi Katrina,
Sounds like you are well prepared! We recognize that keeping people and pets together helps to reduce stress in an emergency event. Pet shelter sites in neighbouring communities on either end of the Sea to Sky Corridor are identified in our Operational Evacuation Plan which is a detailed step-by-step document with specific information required to coordinate an evacuation. As well, the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team can assist in the coordination and management of pet shelters. Hope this is helpful.
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