As Emergency Preparedness Week approaches from May 5-11, the St. Paul RCMP is gearing up to spread crucial information under this year’s theme, “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.”
This nationwide initiative aims to empower Canadians to grasp the potential risks within their regions and equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and resources to safeguard their families, properties, and communities.
Alberta’s geographic diversity exposes residents to many emergency situations, ranging from infrastructure failures like power outages, train derailments and oil spills to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, blizzards, tornadoes, and heatwaves. In response, it’s imperative for individuals to be proactive in preparing for these emergencies, whether it involves sheltering in place or evacuating to safety.
To aid in minimizing risks during emergencies, the St. Paul RCMP offers the following essential tips.
Prepare and emergency kit: Assemble a readily accessible emergency kit containing essentials such as water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, wind-up or battery-powered flashlight and radio, first aid kit, extra keys, cash, important documents, emergency plan, prescription medication, pet supplies and baby food.
Create a household preparedness plan: Develop a comprehensive plan outlining emergency exits, evacuation routes, safe meeting spots, and important contact information. Ensure all family members are familiar with the plan and understand their roles in case of an emergency.
Secure your home and property: Take measures to secure your home and belongings to alleviate concerns about their safety during emergencies.
Plan for pets: Identify animal-friendly accommodations or pet boarding facilities in case of evacuation and ensure your pets are accounted for in your emergency plan.
For farms: Compile a list of equipment, supplies, and tools necessary for evacuating or transporting livestock. Keep records of livestock and supplies on your premises and have a plan to identify livestock during evacuations.
Follow emergency instructions: Adhere to the instructions provided by emergency services, including heeding evacuation orders and alerts. Ignoring these directives can jeopardize your safety and impede emergency response efforts.
For additional emergency preparedness tips, residents are encouraged to visit www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness
To stay informed about emergencies in the community, individuals can sign up to Rave Mobile Safety Alerts at www.ruralcrimewatch.ab.ca/I/rave and download the Alberta RCMP App and Alberta Emergency Alert App from the Apple Store or Google Play.