Vancouver residents take steps to prepare for disasters—but gaps remain
Vancouverites are increasingly taking steps to prepare for earthquakes, wildfire smoke and other emergencies, but they say clearer information and stronger community ties are still needed to feel truly ready. A recent study by the University of British Columbia (UBC) in partnership with the City of Vancouver Emergency Management Agency surveyed nearly 3,000 residents and conducted six focus groups to understand risk perception and preparedness in daily life. The findings offer a nuanced view of Vancouver disaster preparedness: people are acting, but they also crave more support that connects individual actions to a larger, local plan.
What people are doing and what holds them back
The survey shows practical progress: nearly 70% of respondents reported having emergency supplies or savings set aside, and more than 65% planned to take two or more preparedness actions in the coming year — from packing essentials to downloading Alertable, the city’s emergency alert app. Yet about one-third identified information gaps as their biggest obstacle, a concern that rises to nearly 40% among non-English speakers. As lead author Dr. Jonathan Eaton notes, trust is a cornerstone of readiness: “Knowing you can count on neighbours and institutions during a crisis is just as important as having a go-bag.”
The importance of community connections
The study emphasizes that disaster planning works best when it is tailored to neighborhoods and grounded in residents’ lived experiences. Co-author Raahina Somani explains, “People want to be part of a bigger effort. Residents feel more confident when their own actions fit into a wider neighbourhood plan.” This reflects a broader truth for Vancouver disaster preparedness: community connection amplifies individual actions and reduces the sense of isolation during emergencies.
Housing, emotional and financial barriers
Housing status strongly influences perceived readiness. Tenants often feel less certain about the safety of their homes and their ability to return after an emergency, compared with homeowners. The report calls for clearer guidance that addresses tenants, landlords and homeowners alike. The study also highlights emotional and financial hurdles. Thirty-two percent of women reported feeling overwhelmed when thinking about emergencies, while about half of gender-diverse respondents cited financial constraints as a barrier. These realities underscore the need for inclusive guidance that reflects diverse experiences and resources.
Trust, expectations and government action
While residents generally trust the technical expertise of emergency agencies, confidence in the government’s ability to act swiftly and fairly is more mixed, particularly in the context of housing affordability and market pressures. Dr. Sara Shneiderman, another principal investigator, says, “Trust is as much about relationships as it is about expertise.” Building lasting, cross-community relationships is viewed as essential to a resilient city and a more effective, responsive public education program.
City actions and future steps
The City of Vancouver intends to use the study’s findings to inform its public education strategy on emergency preparedness and plans to repeat the survey in 2027 to measure progress. Daniel Stevens, director of Vancouver Emergency Management Agency, says, “We’re excited to use this research to move our work forward on community-based preparedness. We’re encouraged that people want to be prepared and we now have more insight into how we reach more people with the information they need.” The project sits within a broader UBC-driven effort to strengthen disaster resilience across British Columbia, offering lessons that can inform other communities facing similar risks.
Practical takeaways for residents and communities
What can Vancouver residents do right now to improve their readiness while supporting neighbors? The study points to several concrete steps: engage with local hubs and community organizations, participate in hands-on preparedness trainings, and seek clearer, neighbourhood-specific information. Download and use Alertable to stay informed, and explore ways to connect with neighbors who share resources or knowledge about home safety, evacuation routes and crucial documentation. For renters and homeowners alike, advocating for clear guidance from landlords and city agencies can help align personal preparations with a broader, city-wide plan.
Guidance for landlords, tenants and homeowners
As per the findings, better, more accessible instructions are needed that reflect different housing arrangements and financial realities. By supporting neighborhood networks and providing simpler, language-accessible materials, Vancouver can reduce barriers to action and improve overall disaster responsiveness.
A broader lesson for communities across BC
While focused on Vancouver, the study offers transferable insights for communities across British Columbia. Tailoring emergency education to local contexts, fostering trust through neighborly networks, and addressing emotional and financial barriers are central to building resilience in any city facing earthquakes, wildfire smoke and climate-related hazards.
