Heartland 101 May 2018: What to Know Before You Go – Evacuation Readiness

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The fires and flooding experienced in Spring 2018 have prompted precautionary and voluntary evacuations of residents in the region. A survey conducted in 2017 revealed just over half of local residents were somewhat or very prepared to evacuate with an emergency kit of essentials.

Authorities call for evacuations only when there is a risk to resident safety.  Evacuations can be complex endeavours and there are steps you can take to be prepared should it happen to you.

Have a 72 Hour Emergency kit with essentials including: non-perishable food and water, medications and prescriptions, blankets, first aid kit, flashlight and battery powered or crank radio, cell phone charger and portable battery pack, family member contact list and personal identification such as a driver’s license or passport.

Pets

Have 7 – 10 days of food and water; pet carrier; leash and ID. Not all emergency shelters accept pets, so arrange a location in advance.

Evacuee Check In

If an evacuation centre is established, check in so responders know you are safely out of the area. You will be asked for contact numbers that will make it easier to obtain critical information as is becomes available.

Home

Shut off water and electricity if advised to do so. Leave natural gas on, unless otherwise instructed. Lock your home.

Authorized Routes Only

Follow routes specified by officials, and don’t take short cuts which could lead to blocked or dangerous areas. Drive carefully with lights on. Yield to pedestrians and emergency vehicles. Do not return unless permitted by authorities.

Stay Connected

Download the Alberta Emergency Alert App for alerts in your community and helpful preparedness information.

“Emergency evacuations are stressful, and it’s important to prepare yourself before they occur,” says Brenda Gheran with Northeast Region Community Awareness Emergency Response (NRCAER). “When you’re prepared, you’re better able to respond and make sound decisions for yourself and those who depend on you.”

For more information about emergency response, notification, and safety in the region, visit www.nrcaer.com. For more information about Life in the Heartland, visit lifeintheheartland.com, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or email info@lifeintheheartland.com.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section]