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Catastrophic Earthquake

Preparedness

An Audit by the Office of the

Auditor General of British Columbia

Pacific Northwest Intergovernmental Audit Forum 2014 September 25, 2014

Paul Nyquist: Director PA Ardice Todosichuk: Manager PA

Catastrophic Earthquake

Preparedness

Presentation Topics

• Earthquakes and earthquake risks

• Audit purpose

• Audit results and conclusions

• Causal analysis

• Recommendations

• Communication strategies

• Audit challenges

• Discussion (Q&A)

Pacific “Ring of Fire”

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2012

Earthquake Energy Scale

BC’s Seismic Activity

• Thousands of earthquakes occur annually in BC – most are too small to be felt

• There is a 12% probability of a catastrophic earthquake affecting BC in the next 50 years

Source: Geological Survey of Canada

BC’s Earthquake Profile

Source: US Geological Survey

BC Population and Hazard Zones

BC Population Density Map BC Earthquake Hazard Risk Map

Georgia Basin

Source: Environment Canada, 2013

Introduction to Audit Report

Emergency Management BC

Preparation is a Shared Responsibility

• Responsibility is shared between all stakeholders

• In BC, emergency management is based on escalating response model:

• The Provincial Government will need to take a strong leadership role in the event of a catastrophic earthquake

Individual Local

Governments Provincial

Government Federal

Government

Purpose of the Audit

1. Can EMBC demonstrate that it is prepared to manage the effects of a catastrophic earthquake?

2. Is EMBC publicly reporting on the Province's preparedness for a catastrophic earthquake?

Conclusions

• EMBC could not demonstrate that it is adequately prepared for a catastrophic earthquake

• EMBC was not reporting publicly on the Province’s preparedness

Identified gaps and deficiencies in EMBC’s plans and procedures included:

• Up-to-date hazard risk, vulnerability analysis

• Plans and procedures that reflect best practices

• Monitoring of stakeholder readiness

• Training and exercises

• Education of the public

Conclusion: Not Adequately Prepared

Conclusion: Not Publically Reporting

Causal Analysis

• Catastrophic earthquake planning: • Not a priority by government • Not a priority by EMBC

• Legislated authorities

• Incomplete implementation of previous

recommendations

Recommendations

Government

1. Develop long term goals/targets

2. Ensure EMBC has necessary capacity

EMBC

3. Develop plan to achieve government goals

4. Prioritize efforts to achieve mandate

5. Review to identify and address gaps

6. Evaluate stakeholder readiness and capacity

7. Conduct regular exercises

8. Measure effect of public awareness campaign

9. Report annually on state of readiness

• Reference past reports and recommendations

• Integrate current developments

• Acknowledge successes

• Target recommendations

• Time release for impact

• Consider alternative media

• Use strong graphics

Communication Strategies

Earthquake Risks in Victoria

Source: NBC News, 2012

OAG Reporting Elements

• Media Release (key messages)

• Auditor General Comments

• Executive Summary

• Summary of Recommendations

• Auditee Response

• Detailed Report

• Appendices (if required)

Audit Challenges/Opportunities

1. Complex topic area

• Legislative framework

• Restructuring

• Technical topic

• Out of scope roles

Audit Challenges/Opportunities Cont.

2. Executive turnover

• Four different leaders

• Evolving culture and priorities

Audit Challenges/Opportunities Cont.

3. Privileged information

• Cabinet confidence

• Challenge to access

• Unable to report

Audit Challenges/Opportunities Cont.

4. Merits of Policy

• Auditee resource constraints

• Funding is a policy decision

Audit Challenges/Opportunities Cont.

5. Realistic Recommendations

• > 100 past recommendations

• Limited resources

Impact of Audit

• Increased topic awareness: high media uptake and discussion by parliament when tabled

• Public reminded of their role

• Auditee started public engagement initiative

• Auditee has initiated various other programs to address recommendations

Questions/Comments?