With the changing of seasons, new Albertans may be unaware of unique winter hazards in the province and how to prepare for them. Upcoming potential hazards include blizzards, freezing rain, ice storms and extreme cold. #BePrepared with the following tips:
Dress warmly by wearing extra layers of clothing during extreme cold snaps; keep extra layers in your vehicle as well.
Ensure you have a back-up generator or power source to heat your home in case of power outage.
Avoid commuting during freezing rain or blizzards as the roads will be slick and unpredictable. Put winter tires on your car during the colder months.
The Be Prepared program offers education materials on all hazards common in Alberta in over 10 languages. #BePrepared by sharing these materials with your community before winter arrives.
Sturgeon Regional Emergency Management Plan
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.
Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause disruptions to daily services we rely on, such as water and power. #BePrepared for power and water outages before they occur with these tips:
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.
