Overview
Alberta’s diverse landscape and weather contributes to a wide range of hazards that could cause disruption in any season.
Be prepared in case an evacuation order is called for your community. Bring your pets and pack medications, necessities and clothes to last a week or more.
Alerts and orders
Evacuation alert (advisory): People should prepare to evacuate soon, if situation deteriorates.
- Evacuation alerts help you prepare to leave on short notice.
- Take the actions directed, be prepared to go quickly and monitor trusted sources of information for updates.
Evacuation order (critical): People must evacuate now.
- Evacuation orders are issued when you are in danger.
- Emergency situations can change rapidly and prompt an immediate evacuation order.
- Evacuate immediately if you are located inside an order's boundaries and directed to evacuate.
- Delaying your departure can put your life at risk and hinder emergency response efforts.
- Follow the specific instructions provided by your local authorities during an evacuation.
- Always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you.
Before an evacuation
Preparing in advance can keep you safe and comfortable, and help you get back to your normal life and work more quickly.
During an evacuation
If your community is at risk, local authorities will issue communications. They could include information about the threat, the safest evacuation route including where to go to register and receive support and services.
Communicating during emergencies
It is possible that you and your loved ones may not be together when an emergency occurs. Normal communication channels may not be available during large disruptions.
To increase your chances of staying connected when an emergency occurs, follow these tips.
- Create emergency contact cards for each member of your household.
- Keep emergency numbers in your home (hard copy) and on your personal and work cellphones.
- Create a group text message, a group chat on your preferred social media channel, or a shared email distribution list so you can stay connected.
- Have a plan for back-up power for your devices, such as extra batteries, phone charger for your vehicle or solar powered battery pack with a usb connection.
- Designate an out-of-town emergency contact who can act as a central check point to provide updates on status and location in case you are unable to reach each other.
- Use social media to connect or update your status – some sites offer a “checked safe” feature when a disaster occurs in their area.
Evacuation preparedness telephone town hall
Albertans were invited to join a telephone town hall on evacuation preparedness on May 13.
Listen to the recording below to learn more about how to prepare in case you need to evacuate from your home.
Your Alberta · Wildfire Readiness Information Telephone Town Hall - May 13, 2023
Resources and translations
Education material you can read, print and download to share online and within your community. Translated versions are also available in українською (Ukrainian), عربي (Arabic), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Deutsch (High German), Plautdietsch (Low German), Español (Spanish), Français (French) and Tagalog (Tagalog).