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.
- Build a map. - Set a meeting place or muster point in case an evacuation is ordered. - Create safe transportation methods. - Ensure animals are visually identified (for example, ear tags, tattoos) whenever possible. - Create an emergency contact list: Include neighbours, animal handlers/transporters, veterinarians, and feed suppliers. - Store all records (animal ID, contact lists, and site map) onsite, offsite, and digitally. - Work with your local emergency management office to learn what type of help will be available.
Want to be more prepared? The Government of Alberta developed the Be Prepared program to help. Visit alberta.ca/RuralPrep to learn more.
Many of Alberta’s hazards, such as high winds, freezing rain, and flooding, can damage power lines causing power outages.
Outages can leave you without heat, hot water, lights, air conditioning, information services, and vital communication channels. Services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, banks, and ATMs may be closed during an extended outage.
If the power is still on in your neighbourhood but not in your home, check your breaker. Call your utility provider to determine if the interruption is widespread or only affecting your property.
Leave one light on inside and one light on outside so you and the utility worker will know when power has been restored.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves and barbecues do not belong indoors, and gas stoves and ovens are not a safe source of heat.
Listen to a local radio station for information from local authorities.
After a power outage
Unplug appliances and electronics before turning on the main power switch.
Allow the power to stabilize and wait 15 minutes before reconnecting tools and appliances.
Turn the essentials on first. Start with heat, followed by the refrigerator and freezer.
Connect with your utility provider for more information.
Check all food for signs of spoilage and damage. When in doubt, throw it out.
After 24 hours of no power, all refrigerated medication should be thrown out, unless the label says otherwise.
SREMP is a partnership between Sturgeon County, Morinville, Gibbons, Redwater, Bon Accord and Legal. These municipalities work together to coordinate emergency preparedness, response and recovery from disasters.
Preparedness Survey of Albertans
Did you know that the 2022 Preparedness Survey of Albertans confirmed that more people are concerned about hazards but taking fewer actions to reduce their risk? One of the top reasons for not being prepared was a lack of information.
The Government of Alberta developed the Be Prepared program to help. Visit alberta.ca/BePrepared to learn more.
My Alberta Emergency Registration System (MAERS)
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.
