Get informed
Getting informed refers to identifying, signing up and downloading trusted sources of information so you receive reliable updates daily, and when emergencies occur.
When you know how and where your community shares updates—whether it’s through social media, local news, alerting apps or municipal websites—quickly finding the information you need reduces stress and allows you to take actions to keep yourself, your household and community members safe during times of uncertainty.
Get informed tips
- Local emergency communication channels and methods can vary. Reach out to your local authority or look online to learn how critical instructions and updates in your community are delivered. Check for the latest information on a local authorities website and social media. Sign up to receive notifications and updated information through the emergency warning system.
- All people living in Alberta, if possible, should have an Alberta.ca Account.
- Create and verify your free account before an emergency occurs so you can access information on supports and services you may be eligible for during an emergency.
- After you make an Alberta.ca Account, you can create and access a profile for your household, including pets, through the MyAlberta Emergency Registration System. This information helps your local authority prepare to meet the needs of community members in the event of an evacuation.
- Identify alternative methods for how you will receive information and stay connected with loved ones if communications are disrupted (battery powered or hand-crank radio, satellite phone, etc.)
- Charge mobile phones and other electronic devices regularly. If possible, consider a power bank as a back-up charging solution for power disruptions.
- Sign up for alerts from your utility and telecom providers to get real-time updates on outages and service disruptions.
- Grid Alerts are issued by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) when the power system is strained and using emergency power reserves to meet demand. AESO may issue an alert asking Albertans to conserve energy with the goal of avoiding rotating outages.
Stay informed
Staying informed refers to monitoring trusted sources during an emergency, as situations can change quickly with little warning. Timely updates allow you, your household and community members to make safe, informed decisions on what actions to take, whether that’s evacuating, sheltering in place, checking on loved ones or taking steps to prevent damage to your property and belongings.
Information empowers you with the knowledge needed to respond to emergencies with greater confidence, clarity, and care. Staying informed year-round strengthens your overall preparedness as you have a better understanding of local risks and hazards, can recognize early warning signs and plan for disruptions in advance. Access to timely and accurate information can reduce anxiety, support informed decision-making, and enhance your ability to assist others, if safe to do so.
Stay informed tips
- Get updates by checking trusted sources of information regularly (for example, Active Alberta Emergency Alerts, Active health advisories, Weather alerts, Alberta Rivers advisories).
- Share information with loved ones and community members to support one another (for example, Alberta apps, Alberta Fire Bans).
- Stay connected by creating a group text message, social media group chat or shared email lists. These methods use less bandwidth, often working when cellular networks are disrupted.
- Always follow the instructions provided by local authority officials. Avoid misinformation by being cautious if relying on updates from communication channels you are less familiar with (for example, non-official social media accounts).
- Tune into local radio and TV for emergency coverage; radio often works when power and/or internet are disrupted (Weatheradio Canada).
- Turn cell phones to battery-saving mode and use for emergency calls only.
Rely on your trusted sources of information (alerting apps, websites, etc.).