Evacuations and Shelter-in-Place

Evacuations may occur at any time as the result of an imminent threat to life safety.

Preparedness

Being prepared for an evacuation is key and begins ahead of an emergency. To get prepared:
- Make an emergency kit
- Make an emergency plan
- Register your family through the MyAlberta Emergency Registration System (MAERS)
- Know the risks
Stay informed through local media, this website, Facebook or Twitter

Three stages of an evacuation

1 – Evacuation alert

There is a potential danger in the area and you may have to evacuate. Be ready to leave on short notice.
Emergency officials will notify the population at risk of the need to evacuate
Information about the nature of the danger will be further communicated
Conditions can quickly change, and result in very short notice evacuation orders

2 – Evacuation order

You must leave the area now. It is not safe to stay.
When issued, you must evacuate the affected area immediately
The affected area has restricted access while the Evacuation Order is in effect

3 – All clear

You may return to the area, the danger has passed.
If the danger returns, an Evacuation Alert or Order may be issued again

When an evacuation order is issued...

Take your emergency kit with you
Follow instructions of emergency responders
If possible, turn off electrical panel and the water main to your home
Lock windows and doors
Do not remain in areas under an evacuation order

Follow designated evacuation routes
- If you require supports (shelter, food, water) visit an Emergency Social Services Site. If you do not

Shelter-in-place

Shelter-in-place refers to remaining inside your home, school, or place of work during an emergency. In some situations, it is safer to remain where you are than to evacuate.

Residents will be advised to shelter-in-place through an alert or order during an incident. This information will be shared through:

Local media
Municipal website
Social media Facebook or Twitter

When a shelter-in-place order is issued...

Go indoors immediately and stay inside
Close and lock all windows and doors
Use stairs instead of elevators
Turn off furnaces, hot water heaters, ventilation and air conditioners
Do not operate kitchen or bathroom vents, clothes dryers or other appliances
Remain inside until an all clear announcement is made

All-clear announcement

An all-clear announcement will be made via media outlets and emergency responders who may come door-to-door when a danger has passed and there is no longer a risk to life safety. An all-clear may be issued and lead into an evacuation alert or order, depending on the situation.

What to do after an evacuation

Return to your home, following information and instructions provided by emergency responders.