Being prepared means you know what to do, where to go and you have supplies to properly respond to emergencies and disasters. When we are prepared to take care of our needs for a minimum 72 hours, it allows first responders and all levels of government to focus on managing the emergency and helping those who need it most.
Knowing the emergencies you could face allows you and your family to plan your response. Identifying responses unique to each emergency makes it easier to act fast when seconds matter.
The below emergencies could be experienced in Leduc County. Click on the emergency type to learn what to do before, during and after the emergency:
Rural residents face unique challenges in emergency situations; consider developing a rural emergency plan to prepare for fires or hazardous material spills.
Build an emergency kit
In the event of a major emergency or disaster, normal emergency services are often interrupted. You should be prepared to be self sufficient for at least the first 72 hours after an emergency.
Emergency supplies
Your 72-hour emergency kit should reflect your family's unique needs. It should include the following items:
non-perishable food
water and liquids (four litres per person per day)
a first-aid kit
batteries
candles
matches and/or lighters
critical documents, such as identification, birth certificates, social insurance numbers, health care cards, insurance records and prescriptions.
When building your kit, consider what items you need if any of the following apply to your family:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or infants
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have infant children you will want to include the following:
feeding items:
breastfeeding aides
formula
bottles
baby food
extra water
diapers, wipes and extra clothes
prenatal vitamins, ointments and medications for mom and child (over-the-counter and prescription)
Disabilities or special needs
If you have special needs you will want to include additional supports. For example, if you use a wheelchair you may want to include the following:
tire patch kit or can of seal-in-air product to repair flat tires on your wheelchair or scooter
supply of inner tubes
pair of heavy gloves to protect your hands while wheeling over glass or other sharp debris
latex-free gloves for anyone providing personal care to you
spare deep-cycle battery for a motorized wheelchair or scooter
a lightweight, manual wheelchair as a backup to a motorized wheelchair, if possible
spare catheters, if needed
your power outage backup plan
Allergies or chronic conditions
If you have severe allergies, chronic medical conditions or other medical needs, you will want to include the necessary supplies. For example, if you have diabetes you will want to include the following:
MedicAlert bracelet or identification
extra supply of insulin or oral agent
pump supplies, syringes, needles and insulin pens
small container for storing used syringes and/or needles
blood glucose testing kit, spare batteries and record book
supply of blood glucose and urine ketone testing strips and fast acting insulin for high blood glucose, if needed
fast acting sugar for low blood glucose
extra food to cover delayed meals
ice packs and thermal bag to store insulin
additional snacks to maintain blood glucose
Pets
If you have pets, you will want to include the necessary supplies, such as the following:
pet carrier
food
extra water
extra collar,or harness and leash
blankets/towels
medication
copies of vaccination records, identification tags and insurance information
Pre-packaged kits and supplies can be purchased from the Canadian Red Cross and other commercial entities.
Connect with neighbours
Neighbours are often the first to lend a hand when an unexpected situation occurs. You can build community connections by interacting with people in your neighbourhood. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Wave and greet: smile and wave or say hello the next time you run into a neighbour. Talking about the weather is a great icebreaker for a conversation.
Stay connected: create a shared contact list or online community group to stay connected. It's easier to ask for help when you know your neighbours.
Buddy system: set up a buddy system to help one another out. Whether it's getting the mail when you're away or checking in during a heatwave, a little support goes a long way.
Connected communities are more resilient communities. Want to be more prepared? The Government of Alberta developed the Be Prepared program to help. Take a minute to watch this video or visit www.alberta.ca/CommunityPrep to learn more.
Build financial resilience
Being financially prepared is about more than just having money in the bank. Insurance is a financial safety net. When you have the right coverage, it can help you and your loved ones recover when something bad happens.
Understand the difference between insurable vs. non-insurable and speak with your insurance provider about your needs.
Know your insurance options and policy limits. Make sure your home, vehicle, business and belongings are protected. Talk to your insurance agent to learn what is covered in your policy.
As a last resort, the Government of Alberta’s disaster recovery program may be an option, but it’s important to note it does not cover all types of damage or loss and may not cover the full cost of replacement. Visit Disaster Recovery Program to learn more.
Protect your pets and livestock
A pet carrier stocked with supplies for a quick grab and go ensures your pet will have what it needs.
Have a phone list of animal shelters, veterinarians and kennel facilities that could house your pets if needed.
Create a buddy system with a neighbour in case one of you are unable to return home to pick up your pet(s).
In the case of an evacuation, never leave your pet behind.
To learn more how to keep your pets safe before, during and after an emergency, visit Pet preparedness.
Stay informed
View or sign up get advisories and public safety alerts.
Alert Ready is Canada’s national alerting system. It automatically sends life-saving emergency alerts through television, radio and compatible mobile devices.
Alberta Emergency Alert is Alberta's emergency alerting system. Communities, including Leduc County, can issue emergency alerts to notify citizens of a potential or ongoing emergency and provide instructions for what you should do to stay safe.
These alerts are broadcast on television and radio. You should download the mobile app to receive notifications to your mobile device.
Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app on your smartphone or tablet from the Apple Store or Google Play store, or text FollowAB_EmergAlert to 21212 to receive text notifications.
Fire advisories, restrictions and bans
Fire advisories, restrictions and bans are issued when the fire hazard rating has increased and restrictions are needed to protect the community and prevent urban fires and/or wildfires.
If a fire advisory, restriction or ban is issued in Leduc County, we will post that information to leduc-county.com/fire-bans. We also use share this information on Alberta Fire Bans; call Alberta Fire Bans information line at 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473).
Alberta Parks is responsible for issuing fire advisories, restrictions and bans in provincial parks.
The Alberta Wildfire website has the latest updates on the status of all wildfires burning in Alberta. Report a wildfire by calling toll-free to 310-FIRE (310-3473).
Flood and ice advisories, watches and warnings are issued by the Government of Alberta. They are issued when weather or river forecasts suggest a provincial waterway could flood. These notifications are referred to as any of the following:
Health advisories are issued when there is a risk to the general population or more at-risk populations, like children, seniors and those with certain health conditions. Health advisories are issued by Alberta Health Services. These advisories include air quality advisories, heat advisories, blue-green algae advisories, boil water advisories and more.
Weather advisories – including heat warnings, extreme cold warnings, snowfall warnings, tornado watches and more – are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when severe weather poses a threat to Canadians.
Make sure you are safe before assisting others. Check yourself and those around you for injuries; administer first aid, if needed, and call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.
Monitor alerts from Alberta Emergency Alert.
Listen to a local radio or television station for information from local authorities.
Access your local authority's website or social media channels for information.
Listen to instructions from authorities; you may be asked to evacuate or stay where you are.
Limit non-emergency phone calls to keep phone networks free for those who require emergency services. This also helps to save battery power if you are using a cell phone.
Emergency roles
When it comes to emergency preparedness and emergency management, we all have a role to play.
Individuals and families
Individuals and families should be prepared to take care of themselves for a minimum of 72 hours during an emergency and should also understand the basic principles of first aid and safety.
First responders
First responders, such as police, paramedics and firefighters, are normally the first to respond to an emergency. They, in conjunction with local municipalities, are responsible for managing most local emergencies.
Municipalities
Local governments are responsible for making sure their communities are prepared for emergencies. Leduc County maintains a municipal Emergency Management Plan that details steps to be taken in the event of an emergency or disaster in Leduc County.
A major emergency mutual-aid agreement is in place between all municipalities located within Leduc County boundaries to ensure adequate resources are available in an emergency. The county also works closely with Edmonton International Airport and Alberta Emergency Management Agency and is an active member of the Capital Region Emergency Planning Partnership.
Government of Alberta
In Alberta, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency is the coordinating agency for emergency management activities and initiatives. It monitors the province for porential emergencies and disasters on a 24/7 basis.
Government of Canada
Federal departments and agencies support provincial and/or territorial emergency management organizations. They also manage emergencies that involve areas of federal jurisdiction, such as nuclear safety, national defence and border security.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Non-government organizations, such as the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance and The Salvation Army, play an important role in emergency management, including disaster prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
Emergency-specific actions
Click on the emergency type to learn what to do before, during and after the emergency:
Being able to communicate with family, friends and emergency responders during an emergency is critical.
It is important to keep in mind that everyday communication devices may not work properly during an emergency. Here are some tips to keep you connected:
Limit non-emergency phone calls.
If possible, use text messaging, email or social media, as these use less bandwidth than voice communications and may work even when phone service has been disrupted.
If you must use a phone, keep your conversation brief and convey only vital information.
If you are unable to complete a call, wait 10 seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion.
Keep extra batteries or a charger for your mobile device in your emergency kit.
If you have a landline, keep at least one corded phone in your home.
Remember, in an emergency or to save a life, call 9-1-1 for help.
If hazardous materials are released into the air, authorities may direct you to shelter-in-place. This means you should stay where you are and follow their instructions.
The below lists provide tips for how to shelter-in-place based on where you are:
At home
Close and lock windows and exterior doors. Close window shades, blinds, or curtains.
Turn off fans, heating and air conditioning. Close the fireplace damper.
Get your emergency kit and make sure the radio is working.
If you don’t have a hardwired phone, gather a cell phone and charger.
Call your emergency contact.
Go to an interior room above ground level, without windows if possible. Above-ground locations are safer as some chemicals are heavier than air and seep into basements even if windows are closed.
Keep your pets with you along with food and water.
Use duct tape and plastic sheeting, or wet towels, to seal cracks around doors and vents.
Listen to radio or TV and check the Alberta Emergency Alert app until you’re told the danger has passed or you’re told to evacuate.
In your vehicle
If you are close to your home, office or a public building, get inside immediately and follow the recommendations detailed in the "at home" section above.
If you can’t get to a building, pull over and stop in the safest place possible. If it’s sunny, stop in the shade to avoid overheating.
Turn the engine off. Close windows and vents. If possible, seal them with duct tape.
Listen to radio for updates and instructions.
Stay where you are until it’s safe to go.
At work
Lock all doors, windows and openings. Close window shades, blinds or curtains.
Keep customers/visitors inside with you.
Ask everyone to call their emergency contacts to tell them their location.
Turn on call-forwarding and answering systems. Change voicemail recordings to say the business is closed and everyone is staying inside until it’s safe outside.
Ensure employees know how to turn off fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Turn off systems that automatically exchange inside air with outside.
Go to interior room(s) above ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents. Large rooms without exterior windows work well. Avoid rooms with mechanical equipment like ventilation blowers or pipes that may be difficult to seal off.
If you don’t have a hard wired phone, bring a cell phone and charger.
Use duct tape and plastic sheeting, or wet towels, to seal cracks around the door(s) and vents into the room.
Write down everyone’s name and call your business’s designated emergency contact.
Sheltering in place with farm animals
Remain on your property with your animals until the emergency passes or gets resolved. Decide whether to confine the animals in an available shelter or leave them outdoors.
In case of flooding, ensure that your animals can be moved to high ground and have access to feed and clean water.
An outdoor sheltering location should:
Avoid places that have overhead power lines or poles.
Have no debris or sources of blowing debris.
Have access to at least three days of food and clean water for your animals.
Have adequate and safe fences that will maintain control of the animals.
Evacuation alerts warn the public of a potential or current threat. If an evacuation alert is issued, do the following:
Plan to evacuate with enough items to keep your family comfortable for a minimum of 72 hours.
Keep the radio on all day and tuned to a local station. Have a battery-powered radio ready in case of power failure.
Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app to stay up-to-date.
Keep in touch with absent household members and ensure that a plan is in place if evacuation orders are given.
Evacuation orders
Evacuation orders are mandatory and issued for public safety. If an evacuation order is issued, do the following:
Vacate your home when authorities advise you to do so. Ignoring these instructions could jeopardize the safety of your family and/or those rescuing you.
Bring your pet(s) with you. Pet owners should determine where they will bring their pets ahead of time, as not all emergency reception centres accept pets. Owners can contact their veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels, ask a local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter, identify hotels outside of the immediate area that accept pets or ask friends or family outside the immediate area if they would be willing to take in a pet.
Take your emergency kit with you.
Follow the routes specified by officials. Do not take shortcuts as they could lead to a blocked or dangerous area.
Drive carefully with headlights on. Make way for pedestrians and emergency vehicles.
Stop at the pre-determined marshaling point(s). Report to authorities and wait for further instructions. Do not leave again without informing officials.
Do not return to your property until permitted to do so by authorities.
If time permits, leave a note informing others when you left and where you went. If you have a mailbox, leave the note in there.
Shut off water and electricity if you are asked to by an officials.
Leave natural gas service on, unless officials tell you otherwise. If you turn off the gas, the gas company has to reconnect it. In a major emergency, it could take weeks for a professional to respond. You would be without gas for heating and cooking.
If the evacuation occurs in the winter, take extra precautions.
Turn off the water and then drain the water from your plumbing system.
Starting at the top of the house, open all taps, and flush toilets several times.
Go to the basement and open the drain valve.
Drain your hot water tank by attaching a hose to the tank drain valve and running it to the basement floor (if you have a gas-fired tank, the pilot light should be turned out - call the local gas supplier to re-light it).
Protect the valve, inlet pipe, and meter or pump with blankets or insulation material.
Evacuating with farms animals
Plan ahead and work with your community to determine what safe shelters are available for farm animals. Keep in mind your animals may be evacuated to a centralized location and will comingle with other animals. Always ensure the following:
You have sufficient feed and medical supplies available or can be delivered.
Your animals have sufficient identification.
Minimize contact among animals from different premises.
Feed and water is protected from contact with wild animals and birds.
Health and vaccination status of animals has been verified.
You can handle death in a manner that minimizes the possible spread of contagious diseases.
You have arranged for special provisions (milking, for example).
Protect yourself and your family first. There may be circumstances where the risk to life is great, but there is not enough time to evacuate your animals. After ensuring the safety of yourself and your family, if it is safe to do so and time permits, do the following:
Open gates between pens and pastures to give the animals more room to escape the hazard.
Put extra feed and water out where the animals can get to it, as it may be a few days before you are allowed to return home.
Consider turning off power and natural gas to reduce the chance of these utilities causing additional problems while you are gone.
The process to repair and restore your life after an emergency or disaster is not easy and takes time, flexibility and patience.
Examples of recovery include:
removing waste and debris
contacting your insurance company
replacing lost or destroyed documentation
finding a new home
getting mental health support
Re-entry
If you had to evacuate, you can't return home until authorities have told you it's safe to do so. Use extreme caution at all times.
Do not enter your home of property if:
it has not been deemes safe to enter by an expert
any part of the structure has collapsed
the structure is off its foundation
the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding
Your mental health
Emergencies and disasters challenge our coping skills and impact us in different ways. Sometimes we have emotional responses right away and sometimes they show up days, weeks, months or even years after.
Feelings of stress are normal, but some people can experience more severe distress and may require help. Monitor yourself and your loved ones for signs of distress which could include the following:
difficulty sleeping
emotional outbursts
anxiety
depression or unexplained physical issues
If any of these signs appear, make sure to talk about them and seek advice from a professional. Leduc County residents can call 2-1-1 to be connected to service providers in the community.
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