Emergency Preparedness
Resources
All of the information on this page can be downloaded as a handout.
Consequences of a disaster
- Water
- Heat
- Electricity
- Public transportation
- Roads
- Air quality
- Telephone
- Separation
- Food
Three Steps you need to know to get prepared
1. Know the risks
Know your city/province/area
- Alberta Emergency Alert System
- Pay attention
Calgary and area
- Floods (2013)
- Storms (Red deer 2017)
- Wild Fires (For McMurry 2016, High River 2019)
Know what to do: During a storm
Indoor:
- away from windows, doors, fireplaces
Outdoor:
- find low-lying areas away from water
- crouch down, feet close together, head down
In a car:
- drive to the side of the road and stop the car
- away from trees or powerlines
- stay there
2. Make an evacuation plan
- plan with your family
- show your house floor plan with exits
- practice your plan 1 / year
- name 2 safe places to meet
- make plans for pets
- decide on an out-of-town contact
- keep a copy in the emergency kit
Make a plan – documents needed
- copies of important documents
- details of special health needs – allergies, medical conditions, medications etc.
- emergency contact list
- keep them all together
Safe home
Safe home
Evacuation order
Bring
- emergency kit
- wallet
- personal ID for everyone
- important documents
- cell phone and extra battery/charger
- Take pets
- Lock your home
- Do not return home until being told it is safe
3. Get an emergency kit
Emergency kit (basic)
- extra keys to your car and house
- some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills
- copy of emergency plan and contact information
- prescription medication
- flashlight and extra batteries
- hand sanitizer
Emergency kit – optional
- more water for cooking
- candies and matches or lighter
- change of clothing and shoes
- sleeping bag
- toiletries
- toilet paper
- basic tools
- scissors and a pocket knife
- duck tape
Emergency vehicle kit
- blanket
- candle and matches
- extra clothing and shoes
- first aid kit with seatbelt cutter
- flashlight and extra batteries
- food that won’t spoil
- list of contact numbers
- battery powered radio
- small shovel
- water
- whistle
- road maps
- ropes
- jumper cables
Resources
Environment Canada Weather Office
Get the latest weather, 24hr detailed forecast and seven days forecast for locations across Canada. Plus, view local radar and satellite imagery.
Canadian Red Cross
Resources on emergency preparedness and you can also purchase an emergency kit from Canadian red cross.
St. John Ambulance
First aid training courses, resources can be found. You can also purchase emergency kits and more products.
Salvation army
Emergency disaster services and resources.
Getprepared.ca
Government of Canada website with all the resources on how to be prepared for emergencies.
311 - City of Calgary
Free 24/7 service for information and service – by phone, online and app.
- any questions/concerns to the city of Calgary
- snow and ice concerns
- sidewalk repair
- water main pipe bursting
- dead animal on the road
- disaster information
Alberta government - emergency preparation
Information for the public about current health advisories, road reports, Alberta Parks advisories, fire bans and flood advisories. Has resources on how to prepare for disasters. Can sign up for Alberta Emergency Alert.
All the information on this page can be downloaded as a handout. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Disclaimer: This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an “as is”, “where is” basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use. Last updated September 2023.