Central Alberta municipalities are highlighting the importance of being prepared when an emergency hits.
Albertans are currently participating in the annual Emergency Preparedness Week campaign, which began Sunday and runs until Saturday.
The County of Stettler notes its region often faces grass fires, equipment fires, and bale fires due to natural hazards or unfortunate events. The county is asking residents to take steps this May to prepare for the unexpected and help create a more resilient community.
“When we know the risks, we’re better prepared to take action to prevent and mitigate those risks,” said Clint Sime, director of emergency management for the Stettler Regional Emergency Management Agency SREMA.
“We spend a lot of time with our community partners, identifying risks in their communities which in turn helps them better prepare for those risks. We’re asking our rural residents, farms and ranches to do the same."
The SREMA supports emergency response in the Town of Stettler and surrounding areas, including Stettler County, Village of Donalda, Village of Big Valley, and the Summer Villages of White Sands and Rochon Sands.
Farrah Fischer, assistant agricultural fieldman, highlights the importance of having a safety plan tailored to your farm to minimize losses in the case of a fire.
“Some key steps everyone can take include installing and maintaining portable fire extinguishers, providing clear directions to your property for first responders, and preparing a farm emergency plan,” Fischer said.
The Town of Olds is also encouraging its residents to safeguard themselves and their loved ones through proactive planning and preparedness.
"Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. We’re sharing this information to empower our community to take meaningful action towards safety. As we educate and equip ourselves, we transform our collective vulnerability into strength. Our goal is to use this opportunity to ensure that no one in Olds stands unprepared in the face of emergencies," said Stephanie Bibault, deputy fire chief and director of emergency management for the Town of Olds.
For more information on Emergency Preparedness Week, including access to resources and tools, visit www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness-week.