Emergency Preparedness
Tourism Whistler is committed to supporting its Members in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies that may impact our destination.
From wildfires and extreme weather to earthquakes and major transportation disruptions, emergencies can affect visitors, businesses, and our community in different ways. Being prepared helps you respond quickly, share accurate information, and minimize impacts on your operations while contributing to a coordinated, destination-wide response and protecting Whistler’s reputation as a safe and resilient place to visit.
This page provides key resources and guidance to support Tourism Whistler Members across all phases of emergency management.
Be Prepared
Being prepared means knowing what to do before an emergency occurs. In Whistler, staying informed and understanding official processes is essential to keeping staff, guests, and the community safe.
In the event of a major emergency in the resort, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) would lead all official communications and would provide direction for residents and visitors.
Tourism Whistler’s role in this phase is to maintain and refine our internal crisis communications approach, align with the RMOW and key partners, and provide Members with relevant guidance and resources.
Sign up for Whistler Alert
Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the RMOW to communicate during emergencies via text message, phone, and email.
- All residents are encouraged to register
- Visitors should be encouraged to register as part of their trip planning. Visitors will be asked for their departure date and will stop receiving alerts after they leave Whistler
Key actions Members can take now to prepare for an emergency
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Familiarize yourself with trusted information sources
Ensure you and your team know where to find verified, up-to-date information:
Local media outlets:
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Review tourism-specific emergency resources
Explore preparedness resources developed to support tourism businesses in our region:
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Develop a crisis communications plan
Your plan should include:
- Key staff contacts
- Defined roles and responsibilities
- Communication channels and methods
- Pre-prepared messaging templates where possible
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Prepare your team and guest communication approach
- Where to access accurate information
- How to communicate with guests during an emergency
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Develop a Business Continuity Plan
This will help your business respond to disruptions and support a successful recovery.
During An Emergency
During an emergency, your priority is to stay informed, follow official direction, and support the safety and wellbeing of your guests and staff.
In the event of a major emergency, the RMOW will lead all official communications and provide direction for residents and visitors.
Tourism Whistler’s role during this phase is to direct Members and visitors to trusted information sources, and support coordinated communication across the destination.
Use Official Information Only
Clear, consistent communication is critical. Do not interpret or reframe official updates. Instead, direct guests and staff to official sources such as whistler.ca and Whistler Alert. Sharing unverified or delayed information may create confusion and increase risk.
Key actions for Members during an emergency
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Stay informed
- Monitor official channels regularly
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Follow directions from emergency officials
- This may include evacuation orders, alerts, or shelter-in-place instructions
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Communicate with guests and staff
- Direct guests to official sources for the latest information
- Execute your crisis communications plan
Recovery
Recovery focuses on safely resuming operations, supporting visitors, and rebuilding confidence in Whistler as a destination. As conditions stabilize, continue to follow guidance from the RMOW and other official sources to ensure it is safe to reopen and operate.
Tourism Whistler’s role during recovery is to share timely updates with Members, align destination messaging, and support visitor communications and marketing efforts when appropriate.
Key actions for Members during recovery
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Follow official guidance on re-entry and reopening
- Confirm when it is safe to resume operations and ensure your business is ready to reopen
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Assess your operations
- Consider staffing, facility readiness, and any impacts to your services before reopening
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Communicate clearly with guests
- Provide accurate updates on your operating status, including what is open, any limitations, and what guests can expect
- Keep your website and communication channels up to date
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Align with destination messaging
- Coordinate with Tourism Whistler and RMOW communications to ensure consistent, accurate messaging about conditions in the destination
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Support affected guests
- Assist with rebookings, cancellations, and inquiries with empathy and flexibility where possible
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Stay informed
- Continue to monitor official updates as conditions may change during the recovery period
Emergency Specific Resources
Wildfire Information & Resources
Refer to the The BC Wildfire Service for official updates and alerts on wildfires in BC.
Report all wildfires to *5555 on a cell or 1-800-663-5555 toll free.
For wildfires in Whistler call 911
Earthquake Information & Resources
The threat of an earthquake, based on Whistler’s geographic location, is considerable. It’s important to know what earthquake indicators feel and sounds like and how to respond in the event of one. The first indication of an earthquake may be: low or loud rumbling noise, sudden jolt, vibration or movement of objects.
What to do during an earthquake (Drop, Cover and Hold on):
- Immediately move away from, or turn away from windows
- Crouch low to keep from falling over or being knocked down
- Protect your head and neck
For additional resources visit: PreparedBC: Earthquakes and ShakeOutBC
Flood Information & Resources
Refer to the Riverforecast Centres for official updates and alerts as well as analysis on snowpack, seasonal water supply and flood risk.