Be Prepared: Emergency Alerts

Emergencies and disasters can occur anywhere, at any time. Know the types of alerts being issued and how to stay informed if there is an emergency or disaster.

Alerts can fall under many different categories. Critical alerts include things like community evacuation due to wildfire or faults in the water supply. Advisory alerts inform about upcoming threats or non-life threatening events, such as worsening flooding or wildfire. AMBER alerts are issued by local police services and the RCMP in the event of child abduction or the abduction of an adult with a proven mental or physical disability. Severe weather events and hazardous road conditions may also cause Environment and Climate Change Canada or Alberta 511 to issue a public alert to ensure safety.

Alerts are issued to provide you with critical instructions during a potentially life-threatening situation in your area, such as wildfires, floods, and tornadoes. Be prepared by taking simple steps to increase your individual and household preparedness. Preparing in advance can help you respond quickly and calmly when you receive an emergency alert.

It is not possible to opt out of receiving emergency alerts for life-threatening incidents. Alerts are targeted to a specific area to ensure that those who need to receive the alert will. Emergency alert issuers do not collect, have access to, or retain any personal information when issuing an emergency alert.

Apps such as the Alberta Emergency Alert app or Voyent! Alert app allow you to stay up to date on events even when critical alerts aren't being issued.

Learn more about preparing for emergencies and disasters at www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness