Emergency Preparedness

An emergency or disaster can happen at any time and often without warning. The best defence is to be prepared. Emergency situations that we need to be prepared for in Spruce Grove and the Tri Municipal Region include:

  • Severe weather event (tornado, blizzard, heat wave, flash flooding)
  • Large structure fire
  • Wildfire
  • Mass transportation event (plane crash, train derailment, multi-vehicle collision)
  • Security threat
  • Dangerous goods release
  • Pandemic response

Preparedness ensures your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Knowing what to do, where to go, and how to stay informed during an emergency can save lives. In some cases, you may be required to shelter in place, and it could be hours or even days before help arrives. Other times, you may need to leave your home quickly and with little notice. Use the information below to ensure you and your family are prepared for any situation.

Make an emergency plan

Disasters and emergencies can cause confusion and stress. It’s important to create an emergency plan with all relevant details and information ahead of time. It should be easy to follow and stored with your emergency supplies. Items to consider for your emergency plan:

  • What to do if you need to shelter in place
  • What to do if you need to evacuate your home
  • Financial details (insurance information, cash in case ATMs are not available, keeping receipts)
  • Stocking up on supplies
  • Building an emergency kit
  • Caring for pets

Learn more about building your emergency plan and download a template.

Build your 72-hour kit

During an emergency or disaster, it’s important that you and your loved ones have the supplies needed to be self-sustaining for at least 72 hours, whether that’s sheltering in place in your home, in your vehicle, at a reception centre, or somewhere else. These critical hours allow first responders to focus on those in need of urgent assistance. Build your 72-hour emergency kit by stocking up on a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water and replace/replenish it when it’s near or past the expiry date. Also remember to check your battery powered items and ensure you have extra batteries on hand. See the 72-hour emergency kit checklist to ensure you have everything you need. Your 72-hour emergency kit should also contain your evacuation plan, so that nothing gets missed if you need to leave in a hurry. Some things to consider if you are required to evacuate your home:

  • Identification
  • Wallet/money/credit cards
  • Banking and insurance information
  • Medicine and prescriptions
  • Change of clothes/shoes
  • Pets, pet food, supplies
  • Cell phone, charger, laptop
  • Pictures/photo albums

During an evacuation, evacuees are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Registration allows municipalities and other levels of government to quickly provide assistance, connect them with resources, and provide updates on the situation.

Prepare your evacuation plan using our Evacuation Grab & Go Checklist.

Stay informed during an emergency

When an emergency occurs that requires residents to evacuate or shelter in place, the message will be broadcast as soon as possible using the Alberta Emergency Alert system. Depending on the severity of the emergency, the alert may be distributed through various means including radio and television signals, directly to smartphones, and through social media. The alert will contain information about the threat and clear instructions about what action is required.

Remember: the facts matter. During an emergency, there can be rumours and conflicting or false information coming from various sources, especially online and on social media. It’s important to always seek information from trusted, official sources.

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