Skip to main content

2011 Taught us Many Things

For generations to come, Lesser Slave River locals, neighbouring municipalities and the world at large will recount what happened here in the spring of 2011. These major wildfires dealt a devastating blow to our region; but valuable lessons on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster were learned at every turn.

Every town, county and municipal district in Alberta has its unique threats and weak spots. Near misses and critical events sometimes occur, and our shared responsibility as managers of these communities is to prepare for these situations and mitigate their effects as effectively as possible. From front-line firefighters to office administrators, every municipal employee has a role and a responsibility during times of crisis.

Practical Emergency Preparedness Advice

Ready-to-Go Kit

Keep ready-to-go kit items in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase, in an accessible place, such as a front-hall closet. Make sure your kit is easy to carry, and everyone in the house knows where it is. Take it with you if you have to leave your house so you can be safe.

  • 4L of water per person
  • Food that you don't have to keep cold
  • Manual can opener
  • Plastic/paper plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Change of clothes
  • Card with emergency contact information and the number of someone to call who lives out of town
  • Pet food and supplies for at least three days
  • Small first-aid kit
  • Personal ID card
  • Personal hygiene items, soap, hand sanitizer

Mind Your Meds

Store medicine you usually take near your ready-to-go kit.

Bedding and Clothing
  • Change of clothing (short- and long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks, undergarments)
  • Plastic and cloth sheets
  • Raincoat/emergency poncho/jacket
  • Sleeping bags/blankets/emergency heat blankets per person
  • Spare shoes
Equipment
  • Axe/pocket knife
  • Basic tools
  • Dishes and utensils
  • Duct tape
  • Flares
  • Manual can opener
  • Pen and paper
  • Radio (with spare batteries/hand operated crank)
  • Rope
  • Shovel
  • Small stove with fuel (follow manufacturer’s directions for operation and storage)
  • Whistle
Food and Water

We recommend stocking a three-day supply of non-perishables per person, including:

  • Canned juice Water (4L per person; include small bottles to carry with you)
  • Canned meat, fish and beans
  • Crackers and cereals
  • Protein/granola bars
  • Trail mix/dried fruit
Light and Fuel
  • Hand-crank flashlight or battery-operated flashlights/lamps
  • Extra batteries
  • Flares
  • Candles
  • Lighter
  • Waterproof matches
Personal Documents and Money
  • Cash in small bills
  • Copy of your emergency plan and contact information
  • Credit card/s
  • Insurance policies
  • Legal documents (birth and marriage certificates, wills, passports, contracts)
  • Prepaid phone cards
Personal Supplies and Medication
  • Cleaning supplies (hand sanitizer, dish soap, etc.)
  • First-aid kit
  • Garbage bags
  • Medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, children’s medication, etc., and 3-day supply of prescription medication)
  • Pet food and supplies
  • Toiletries (toilet paper, feminine hygiene, toothbrush)
  • Toys/reading material
"We need to bring the communities back together again. People need to feel confident that they'll be prepared for the next emergency."
— Tom Sampson, Deputy Chief (emeritus), Calgary Emergency Management Agency

Explore More of the Story

↑Back
to Top