We’re well into hazard season, and most of Alberta is already feeling the impacts of extreme wildfire conditions—now is the time to be prepared by knowing your risk, having a plan, and staying informed to reduce the impacts to you and your household.
Prep tip: In the event of a wildfire threat and possible evacuation, don’t forget your pets—they’re loved ones too. Have a plan that has their needs, safety and resilience in mind.
Storms
With extreme heat and sudden cold fronts, atmospheric instability can increase, creating the conditions for severe storms like heavy rain, hail, and damaging winds. Being prepared helps you respond quickly, stay safe during sudden weather changes, and reduce the impact on you, your community and household.
Prep tip: Stay informed by downloading alerting apps for your area and following the weather outlook to better prepare for expected conditions.
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can be dangerous, putting stress on the body and increasing the risk of heat-related illness—especially for those most at risk. Be prepared by staying hydrated, keeping cool, and checking in on loved ones during extreme heat events.
Legal along with Bon Accord, Gibbons, Morinville, Redwater and Sturgeon County have cooperatively developed Sturgeon Regional Emergency Management Partnership (SREMP) with the support and approval from the Minister of Municipal Affairs.
SREMP promotes increased co-ordination, co-operation, collaboration, capacity, and integration by all six member municipalities and the province during all phases of emergency management: planning and preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. The Plan also enhances emergency preparedness, public education, and common public messaging for each of the key hazards the region may face and will strengthen regional information sharing, communications, and joint planning, training, and exercises.
By being able to register online as soon as an emergency is declared, Albertans can quickly access government services. The My Alberta Emergency Registration System (MAERS) also removes the need for in-person contact.
When an emergency is declared, Albertans who need to evacuate will be directed to register online through the MAERS website (https://emergencyregistration.alberta.ca). Albertans without internet access or those having trouble with online access can call the Government of Alberta call centre (310-4455) to register over the phone.
Government and local municipal emergency management leaders use the information collected through the online registration system to support Alberta families who have had to leave their homes during an emergency evacuation. The MAERS helps government and local municipalities monitor the number of families registered and assess emergency social service needs. For example, residents may need a place to stay, their pets may need to be collected and cared for, and their families may need food, finances and other essential supplies.
How do I find out if there is an emergency happening in my area?
During an event it is extremely important to keep informed with accurate and timely information. Emergency response teams will work very hard at providing that information through a number of channels and you are encouraged to use them all. The Town of Legal has a number of ways to communicate with residents during an emergency:
In the event of a disaster
Alberta Emergency Alerts. Alberta Emergency Alerts will be used for a large scale disaster only. Starting April 6, 2018 notifications will be sent to cell phones that are compatible with wireless public alerting. Learn more about the Wireless Public Alerting system.
on the NC CAER UPDATEline at 1-866-653-9959; provides information on current industrial site activities in the region that you may be curious about, such as unusual loud noises or alarms, prolonged flares, smoke or fire, traffic levels coming to and from a plant or smells that are prolonged. Industry is responsible for posting information about training or drills which may affect surrounding neighbourhoods.
door-to-door visits by emergency personnel (if necessary)
Learn how to build your own Emergency Preparedness Kit. By taking a few simple steps today, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies. Individuals and families should be prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours.
Pet Preparedness
Natural Disasters & Emergencies can happen at any point in time and being prepared can save lives! If you are one of the millions of Canadians with pets: Our pets are part of our families and we want to make sure you and your pets are ready in the event of a disaster or emergency.
Being prepared to take your pet in emergency situations can make it much easier in the event of having to evacuate with your pets. Pets should not be left behind if at all possible. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them.
Visit www.getprepared.gc.ca for information on how to keep your pets safe, and click here for a checklist on what to have ready for your pets.
