Emergency Preparedness Week

Tools and resources to help you plan to participate in the annual campaign, engage your audiences and promote preparedness in your community.

EP Week 2025: May 4 to 10

Campaign theme: Be prepared. Know your risks.

Start planning your campaign now by using the programming and tools provided on this page.

Be prepared for EP week

Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is an annual, nationwide event coordinated by Public Safety Canada (PSC) in partnership with the provinces, territories, and other partners to encourage Canadians to become better prepared for emergencies. EP Week always occurs the first week of May, with this year's event running from May 4 to 10th.

Emergency preparedness is an ongoing journey that is built over time and unique for everyone. EP Week is an opportunity to spotlight emergency preparedness nation-wide and use your knowledge as community leaders to break preparedness down in a way that makes sense for all Albertans:

  • Get and stay informed
  • Know the risks
  • Make a plan
  • Gather supplies and build a kit
  • Make community connections  

Public Safety Canada's three-year theme cycle helps organizations plan strategically and maximize existing content. As we enter the final year of the 'Be prepared. Know your risks' theme, it's time to reinforce key messages and build on past efforts.

Risks vary by region but understanding them is key to preparedness. Whether you’re creating materials, hosting events, or engaging online, this theme encourages individuals to act in preventing, mitigating, and preparing for local risks. Consider how to incorporate it into your campaign this year.

Year-round Be Prepared resources

The Preparedness Survey of Albertans indicates that lack of information is a leading barrier to preparedness in the province. Break down this barrier by leveraging Be Prepared programming with your networks. These resources support your efforts in encouraging community members to take disaster risk reduction actions by providing:

  • an annual theme aligned across Alberta to simplify the call to action
  • ideas and information to support campaign planning
  • a structured way of breaking down preparedness behaviours for community members
  • a selection of communications you can edit to be more relatable and relevant for your community
  • Know the risks

    Alberta’s diverse landscape—from the Rocky Mountains and foothills to the prairies and boreal forests—means that hazards vary across regions, but the most common threats province-wide include flooding, wildfires, severe storms, high winds, and extreme temperatures.

    Knowing the risks, or risk literacy, helps Albertans take appropriate actions that are unique to their circumstances. Prepared individuals are more self reliant and will achieve better outcomes when disruptions occur, big or small.

    Use Be Prepared Know the risks programming to inform your communities on hazards that impact them.

  • Get and stay informed

    Alerting apps, as well as local and provincial communications help Albertans stay informed and can help them respond to threats faster. Channels or methods used to deliver emergency messaging varies by community. Ensure your community knows where to find critical information, instructions, and updates during a disruption.

    Trusted information sources to promote

  • Make an emergency plan

    The Preparedness Survey of Albertans shows just 24% of those surveyed have a household emergency plan. And even fewer of those surveyed are aware of the emergency plans at their partner’s place of work, at their child’s school or daycare or a parent’s care home. 

    An emergency plan can help minimize the confusion and distress during a disaster. Use Be Prepared Make a Plan programming and resources to inform your community on things to consider in their plan like:

    Promote Public Safety Canada’s emergency planning tool as a guide for community members to fill out and use. 

  • Gather supplies and build an emergency kit

    During an emergency, everyday services may not be available and critical public services can become overwhelmed and not able to operate at full capacity. Individuals equipped with the right supplies are more likely to avoid personal emergencies during prolonged disruptions.

    • Gather supplies – contains a supply list and seasonal update suggestions, special items to consider, and an emergency contact card.
    • Build an emergency kit – this includes different emergency checklists to consider for individual households, vehicles, pet needs as well as a grab and go list. 
  • Make community connections

    Connected communities are resilient communities. Research shows that communities with strong social connections experience better outcomes following emergency and disasters, including reduced impacts and recovery time. The 2024 Preparedness Survey of Albertans reports that of those surveyed, only 23% have a community support network in place. 

    Build more resilient communities with these tips: 

    • Work with local organizations that offer supports and services to the most vulnerable people in your community to find ways to increase their disaster resilience. These are the members of your community that will require additional supports during and after an emergency or disaster.
    • Look for funding opportunities to support local community preparedness initiatives. Create pathways that enable your community members to come together to find solutions for a shared problem – by community, for community!
    • Find free preparedness events, workshops, etc. that you can host for your residents, either in person or virtually, to create space for networking and relationship building. Encourage conversation and connections beyond the session.
    • Host a public information session to share the hazard outlook for the season and your community’s level of readiness. Make sure the platform allows for engagement and encourage community members to stay informed and share information with them that empowers self-reliance.
  • Alberta.ca and MyAlberta Emergency Registration System (MAERS)

    A verified Alberta.ca account makes it easier to access support and services—no paperwork or in-person visits required. Encourage community members to verify their account to ensure they can quickly get access to support services.

    Benefits with a verified Alberta.ca account, Albertans can securely access: 

    • MyAlberta Emergency Registration System (MAERS) – Register entire household and pets for emergency assistance.
    • MyAlberta Emergency Benefits System – Apply for financial aid during crises.
    • MyHealth Records – View personal health information.
    • Alberta Student Aid – Manage student loans and grants.
    • Canada Revenue Agency My Account – Access tax and benefit information.

    MyAlberta Emergency Registration System (MAERS)

    Creating a MAERS profile before an emergency helps local emergency teams provide faster, more effective support. With a profile, Albertans can:

    • Register their household and pets in advance.
    • Check in virtually at designated evacuation centres.
    • Ensure emergency teams have the information they need to provide support.

    Be Prepared Tip: Encourage community members to connect with local emergency social services teams to learn more about their role in supporting Albertans during crises.

  • Other resources

    Websites

Social media toolkit 

Download these pre-drafted social media graphics and suggested captions to use for your campaign.

  • Day 1 theme: Know your risks. Build resilience

    Suggested social media posts: 

    Facebook / Instagram 
    This year’s Emergency Preparedness Week theme is “Be prepared. Know your risks.” 
    Whether it’s extreme temperatures, tornadoes, wildfires, or floods, knowing the hazards in your community can help you decrease your risk and manage disruptions. #EPWeek2025

    Learn what to do before, during and after a variety of hazards: www.alberta.ca/know-the-risks

    Follow along with us for the rest of the week for more #EPWeek2025 preparedness tips!

    Twitter (X) 
    #EPWeek2025 is all about knowing your risks. Whether it’s extreme temperatures, tornadoes, wildfires, or floods, knowing the hazards in your community can help you decrease your risk and manage disruptions. Learn what to do before, during and after a variety of hazards: www.alberta.ca/know-the-risks

    Graphic

    Day 1 Know the risks

  • Day 2 theme: Make a plan that fits your life

    Suggested social media posts:

    Twitter (X)
    Preparedness isn’t one-size-fits-all. This #EPWeek2025, consider your unique needs in your emergency plan. Planning and being prepared will reduce stress and make it easier for you to get to a safe place. Learn how to tailor an emergency plan that fits your needs at alberta.ca/make-an-emergency-plan

    Facebook/Instagram

    Preparedness isn’t one-size-fits-all.
    This Emergency Preparedness Week, consider your unique needs in your emergency plan:

    • Do you have access to a vehicle during an evacuation?
    • Does anyone need extra support?
    • Do you know where you would meet loved ones if separated?

    Planning and being prepared will reduce stress and make it easier for you to get to a safe place. #EPWeek2025

    Learn how to tailor an emergency plan that fits your needs at alberta.ca/make-an-emergency-plan

    Follow along with us for the rest of the week for more #EPWeek2025 preparedness tips!

    Graphic

    Day 2 Plan for your unique needs

  • Day 3 theme: Preparedness is a journey – take your first step today

    Suggested social media posts:

    Twitter (X)
    This #EPWeek2025 take small steps to prepare your emergency kit. Stock up on affordable supplies over time and set aside a small monthly amount for an emergency fund with cash on hand for outages. Learn more about how to prepare: www.alberta.ca/beprepared

    Facebook/Instagram
    Preparedness is an ongoing journey you can build over time.

    This Emergency Preparedness Week, take small steps like learning about local hazards, creating a buddy system, gathering affordable emergency kit supplies and setting aside a small monthly amount for an emergency fund with cash on hand for outages. #EPWeek2025

    Learn more about how to prepare: www.alberta.ca/beprepared

    Follow along with us for the rest of the week for more #EPWeek2025 preparedness tips!

    Graphic

    Day 3 Preparedness journey

  • Day 4 theme: Emergency alert test

    Suggested social media posts:

    On Wednesday, May 7 at 1:55 p.m. the Government of Alberta will conduct a test of the emergency alert system. Test alerts are a great way to prompt a discussion on emergency preparedness with your household and loved ones.

    Use Emergency Preparedness Week and the test alert as a reminder to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app to ensure you receive all emergency notifications for your area.

    Twitter (X)
    The Government of Alberta will conduct a test of the emergency alerting system on Wednesday, May 7 at 1:55 p.m.

    Use #EPWeek2025 and the test alert as a reminder to download the @AB_EmergAlert app to make sure you get all emergency notifications for your area: www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert
     

    Facebook/Instagram
    The Government of Alberta will conduct a test of the emergency alerting system on Wednesday, May 7 at 1:55 p.m.

    Test messages will be issued over TV, radio, cell phones and tablets. Check your phone’s compatibility  at  https://www.alertready.ca/ 

    Alert Ready delivers critical and potentially life-saving alerts to Albertans during emergencies.

    Test alerts are a great way to prompt a discussion on emergency preparedness with your household and loved ones. Use Emergency Preparedness Week and the test alert as a reminder to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app to ensure you receive all emergency notifications for your area. Get it for iOS and Android at https://www.alberta.ca/about-emergency-alerts  

    Graphic

    Day 4 Emergency alert test

  • Day 5 theme: Keep supplies up to date

    Suggested social media posts:

    Twitter (X) 
    Building an emergency kit doesn’t have to happen all at once. This #EPWeek2025, consider refreshing supplies or adding a new item. Look for sales and shop at discount stores to keep costs low. For an emergency kit checklist, visit: www.alberta.ca/build-an-emergency-kit

    Facebook/Instagram

    Building an emergency kit doesn’t have to happen all at once.

    During Emergency Preparedness Week, consider refreshing supplies or adding a new item or two such as:
    - Updated prescriptions
    - Batteries
    - Non-perishable food items

    Keep an eye out for sales and shop at dollar or discount stores to keep costs low.

    Stock up today on safety essentials and stay safe tomorrow.

    For an emergency kit checklist, visit: www.alberta.ca/build-an-emergency-kit

    Follow along with us for the rest of the week for more #EPWeek2025 preparedness tips! 
     

    Graphic

    Day 5 Keep supplies up to date

  • Day 6 theme: Consider those with additional needs

    Suggested social media posts:

    Twitter (X)

    Have you planned for those in your life who may have extra needs during an emergency?

    This #EPWeek2025, talk to your loved ones about what needs may be required when they need it most.

    For preparation ideas, visit: www.alberta.ca/make-an-emergency-plan

    Facebook/Instagram

    Have you made a plan for those in your life who may have extra needs during an emergency?

    Give special consideration to things like;

    • mobility accommodation
    • medications
    • medical gear

    Spend Emergency Preparedness Week talking to your loved ones about what accommodations may be required when you need it most. #EPWeek2025

    For preparation ideas, visit: www.alberta.ca/make-an-emergency-plan

    Follow along with us for the rest of the week for more #EPWeek2025 preparedness tips!
     

    Graphic

    Day 6 Consider additional needs

  • Day 7 theme: Pet preparedness

    Suggested social media posts:

    Twitter (X)
    This #EPWeek2025, create a pet emergency plan that considers transportation, supplies & their unique needs during evacuations.

    Acclimate your pet to caregivers & practice sheltering in place. Learn more: www.alberta.ca/pet-preparedness

    Facebook/Instagram 
    This week let's prioritize our furry friends and create a Pet Emergency Plan for #EPWeek2025!

    • Plan transportation for your pets in case of evacuation
    • Gather supplies (food, meds, and comfort items)
    • Prepare for unique needs – each pet is different!
    • Get your pet comfortable with caregivers
    • Practice sheltering in place to keep everyone safe!  

    Pets are family – prepare for them as well! Learn more: www.alberta.ca/pet-preparedness

    Follow along with us for the rest of the week for more #EPWeek2025 preparedness tips!
     

    Graphic

    Day 7 Pet preparedness

Campaign - specific resources 

  • EP week poster

    Use this poster to promote EP Week in your community.

  • EP week bingo card

    Use this Bingo card to encourage your audiences to take preparedness actions during EP Week. We suggest offering prizes to increase uptake.

  • EP week trivia

    Download these EP Week trivia questions and adapt them to resonate with the communities you serve. 

  • Virtual information session

    Skip the hassle of hosting your own session – invite your audience to ours! Be Prepared is hosting a virtual preparedness information session on May 5, 2025 from noon – 1pm, covering practical steps Albertans can take to be better prepared for emergencies. This is an easy way to engage your community and share valuable preparedness information – just spread the word, we’ll do the rest! Register for the virtual information session event.

  • Resource library

    This resource library will have all Be Prepared factsheets, infographics, 60 second videos, toolkits and more to support your campaign planning.

Contact

Connect with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-9000
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

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