Emergency Preparedness Week - May 7-13, 2023

Alberta Emergency Alert App

Are you prepared if an emergency strikes? Did you know that not all Alberta Emergency Alerts are delivered to your phone automatically? This is reserved for extreme situations, immediate evacuations etc. Download the Alberta Emergency Alert App to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information to help you respond quickly in the event of a disaster. The app is customisable to your area and has information on other alert and advisory services. 

View it here: Alberta Emergency Alert

When 9-1-1 Doesn't Work

What would you do if you dialed 9-1-1 in an emergency, but the call failed? Did you know that over 80% of 9-1-1 calls are made from cellphones? While cellphones can be helpful to access 9-1-1 services, they have limitations. Be prepared for call failure. Always know where your closest landline is and how to use it. Be aware of locations with low signal strength and where to get service. Poor weather, remote areas, large buildings, mountains, and valleys can affect signal strength. Open areas can help improve your signal.

Visit Alberta 911 to learn more

MyAlberta Digital ID

You don't always have time to grab important documents in an emergency. Signing up for MyAlberta Digital ID can help. MyAlberta Digital ID is a free account that lets you prove who you are online without paper documents or face-to-face visits. Creating an verifying an account before an emergency can help you get quick access to information and supports you may be eligible for.

Sign up today at www.account.alberta.ca

Prepare Your Home

Make sure you and your home are protected in the event of an emergency. Hazards such as flooding, wildfire, and extreme temperatures are common throughout Alberta and can pose a significant risk to you, your loved ones, and your property. Know your risk to hazards in your community and assess your property to plan steps to reduce your risk. Reach out to your insurance provider to make sure your policies fully protect you, your property, and belongings.

Protect Yourself Online

Not all emergencies are environmental. Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common and put many Albertans at risk. Reduce your cyber risk by making it a habit to update passwords, back up important data, and ensure security software is up-to-date. Protecting yourself against cyber threats can reduce your risk of an attack. 

Visit Cybersecurity in Alberta for more tips.

Advance Care Planning

No one wants to have to make a spur of the moment decisions about their healthcare, or that of their loved ones. Preparing yourself and the people you trust to make personal and healthcare decisions is important, especially when emergencies occur. Advance care planning can help you think about your wishes and values and share them with the people who matter most. If you become too sick or injured to speak for yourself, sharing your advance care plan with the people you trust today will help you receive the care you want in the future.

Start your advance care planning at www.compassionatealberta.ca

Having the Right Insurance

Insurance is a financial safety net and can be crucial in the event of an emergency. When you have the right coverage, it helps you and your loved ones recover from traumatic events. Do you know what your policy covers and, more importantly, what it doesn't?

Watch the following video and find out how you can financially prepare for a disaster.

Be Evacuation Ready

If a hazard is life threatening, you may be ordered to evacuate. Be prepared by creating a list of essential items for a quick grab and go, having an emergency plan so you know where to go, packing an emergency kit for your vehicle(s), keeping fuel tanks more than half-full, reaching out to your network to make a plan if you don't have a vehicle, and calling your insurance provider to learn if your policy offers emergency financial assistance, or short-term housing.

For more tips visit www.alberta.ca/MakeAPlan 

This 60 second video also has more tips on how to prepare

Emergency Kits

You may not have time to collect important belongings and equipment in an emergency. Having an emergency kit with at least three days of supplies can keep you safe and help you deal with unexpected situations. You don't have to build your emergency kit all at once. Start by adding some non-perishable food items to your cart on your next grocery trip. When tidying at home, store extra items with your emergency supplies. Make sure your emergency kit is easy to access and kept in a place everyone in your household knows about.

You can also make a list of emergency contacts, including phone numbers for family members, friends, and emergency services. Share this list with everyone in your household and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Ask about emergency plans at your loved ones' facilities and how they will keep them safe during an emergency.

Visit www.alberta.ca/GetSupplies for ideas on what to put in your kit 

Community Support Systems

We all need people to rely on in emergencies and a community support system is a great tool for not only emergency preparedness but also general well-being. Connecting with people you know and trust is an easy and affordable way to boost your mental health and improve your ability to navigate disruptions. Knowing your neighbours makes it easier to ask for help when you need it. Build your network by attending local events, joining community groups, or creating a community contact list through email or a messaging app. Our community is stronger when we work together.

Mental Health Care

There's nothing like an emergency to test our personal resilience. Taking care of your mental health will help you navigate unexpected situations more easily when they occur. By practicing coping and wellness actions you can improve your ability to think clearly, make informed decisions, and know when to ask for help.

Visit www.ab.211.ca to find out what information, supports, and resources are available near you

For year round resources visit Alberta Be Prepared at www.alberta.ca/BePrepared