Post on 08-Sep-2020
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?