Residents are encouraged to be prepared and resilient during emergencies. Plan ahead. Have an emergency plan and an emergency kit with essential items to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours.
Supports during an evacuation
If an evacuation order is issued, ESS will activate a Registration Centre to assist people who need essential services like food, lodging, and basic needs. Instructions for evacuees will be published on the municipal website and municipal social media channels @RMWoodBuffalo . Please follow trusted information sources.
Short-term essential services may be provided such as:
- Food: Meals and snacks, or vouchers for nearby restaurants.
- Lodging: Temporary shelter for those who cannot return home.
- Hygiene kits or other basic needs: Basic necessities for personal well-being.
Supports are only available from the date of registration (not retroactive) and are extended as required. Supports are suspended after an evacuation order is rescinded. The Registration Centre may also not be located in your immediate community. Locations can change depending on highway conditions and the nature of the emergency.
Financial supports
The Municipality does not provide direct financial support to evacuees. These may be available through the province, your insurance provider, or other agencies.
Animal supports
Evacuees are responsible for the care, feeding, and medical needs of their animals. In some circumstances reasonable emergency pet care may be available.
If you had to evacuate without your pet, fill out the Animal Rescue Form
Registering during an evacuation/incident
- In-person registration: If you need support such as food, lodging, and other basic needs, you must report in-person to a Reception Centre. Residents who are unable to evacuate on their own, and whodo not have a full-time caregiver, should consider signing up for the Vulnerable Persons Registry
- Self-registration: If you do not require Municipally provided ESS services, you can self-register through MAERS My Alberta Emergency Registration System. This allows you to remain eligible for services until the incident ends.
Frequently asked questions