Alberta practises emergency management

The emergency management exercise March 23 and 24 will simulate government’s response to a toxic and rapidly spreading gas leak close to an urban centre. This practice session, which does not include any live action components, will give the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and representatives from the provincial and federal governments the opportunity to practise working together to confirm their roles and responsibilities and to test their response procedures. 

“Disasters can happen at any time. That’s why it is important to plan and train together to make sure we are ready to help as quickly as possible when an emergency response is required. EMX 22 is a good time to bring emergency management partners together over a two-day period to build relationships, clarify roles and processes and strengthen our response during a disaster.”

“First and foremost, we are committed to the safety of Albertans. Collaborating with our partners on exercises like EMX 22 ensures that all agencies are prepared, well-practiced, and always finding ways to improve how we work together to minimize environmental impacts and protect public safety.”

Emergency management exercises are vital to ensuring the Government of Alberta and its partners are prepared to respond effectively when emergencies and disasters occur.

Albertans are encouraged to practise their own emergency preparation, as disasters can occur with little to no warning. Albertans can take the following steps to be prepared:

• sign up to receive Alberta emergency alerts
• build and maintain emergency kits
• have an emergency plan in place and practise that plan with your family
• review your insurance coverage with your insurance provider to ensure you have sufficient coverage to protect your family and property

Quick facts

• Emergency management exercises have been held annually in Alberta since 2001.
• The Provincial Operations Centre (POC) is Alberta’s communication and response coordination centre. It is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and serves as a central point for the collection, evaluation and dissemination of information concerning single or multiple incidents across the province.
• The POC is responsible for coordinating the initial response and maintaining the Government of Alberta’s response support for natural or human-induced disasters.
• Alberta’s emergency management system is designed to protect life, property and the environment by providing a unified, coordinated and resilient response to emergencies.