Weather emergencies and natural disasters

Severe weather, natural disasters, and wildfires can happen without warning. But you and your family can take steps to prepare and keep yourselves safe.

Preparing for a weather emergency includes knowing the weather forecast  and how to prepare for severe weather. Environment Canada's Weatheradio is one way to stay informed of changes in weather conditions.

Emergency preparedness fact sheets

• Personal and Family Checklist (pdf, opens in a new window)
• Blizzards & Road Travel (pdf, opens in a new window)
• Tornadoes (pdf, opens in a new window)
• Before Flooding (pdf, opens in a new window)
• After Flooding (pdf, opens in a new window)
• Flood Disaster Guide — provides detailed information about what to do before, during and after a flood (pdf, opens in a new window).

Wildfire preparedness

Forest or grassland fires can begin without warning, and can spread up to seven kilometers per hour. The 2006 fire season saw extensive damage to property and land, with nearly 2,000 fires consuming more than 118,000 hectares (an area more than twice the size of Edmonton). Approximately 300 people were evacuated or put on evacuation alert.

Residents of rural communities can prepare for the possibility of wildfire and help keep their homes safe.

The Fire Smart program teaches steps to protect yourself and your property from wildfires.

Preventing wildfires
Approximately 40 per cent of Alberta's wildfires are caused by human activity. Carelessly discarded cigarettes and vehicle exhaust systems are among many potential causes of wildfires. Extra care must be taken to ensure your actions do not spark a wildfire.

If you see smoke or fire in a forested area, call 310 FIRE (3473) toll-free or dial #FIRE on the TELUS Mobility network.

More information

• Alberta Environment Water Warnings
• Wildfire Reports
• AMA Road Reports® 
• Emergency Management Alberta