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Test of the National emergency alert
Canada’s emergency alerting system is tested twice a year.
Use the test alerts as a reminder to:
- take actions to reduce your risk
- #BePrepared if the next alert you hear is real
Test alerts:
- make sure the emergency alert system works
- are an opportunity for us to practice preparedness so we are ready to respond when the risk is high.
Emergency alerts are sent out by:
- TV
- radio
- text message
- the Alberta Emergency Alert app
Learn more about wireless alerting and the emergency alert test at Alert Ready.
Teach with the test alert
Use the test alert to teach your community about being ready for an emergency:
- share this short video about how to use emergency alerts to practice preparedness
- host an awareness raising event that corresponds with test dates and invite local media to spread the message
- download the National test alert day guide for activities you can use to increase disaster risk literacy
- plan emergency drills or exercises on the day of the test alert – use the opportunity to practice and educate
- print and hand out emergency kit checklists to encourage your community members to build their self-reliance
Tips to follow year round
Being ready for an emergency is called emergency preparedness.
Use and share the resources on this page to:
- get you and your family ready for an emergency
- teach your community about emergency preparedness
Here are some tips for making emergency preparedness part of your routine.
Start a conversation
Start the conversation with those around you. Talking about emergencies often leads to action and can be the first step in making your emergency plan. For tips on how to bring preparedness into everyday conversations check out this podcast.
Know the risks
Know your risk to the hazards in your community so you can plan for them.
Make a plan
Disasters often cause confusion and distress. An emergency plan can help you cope with the stress and navigate the situation better. Create an emergency plan that works for you and your family.
Get informed
Get informed by signing up to your local emergency warning system and through identification of trusted sources of information before an emergency occurs. Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app
Build a kit and gather supplies
Build an emergency kit and gather supplies, including water, non-perishable snacks and a battery or crank-powered radio in case of power outages. Your goal will be to have enough supplies to keep you safe, warm and comfortable.
Create financial resilience
Being financially prepared is about more than just having money in the bank. Having the right insurance for your property and belongings can reduce financial hardship and your recovery time.
Make connections
Building relationships with the people around you can reduce stress and create community resilience. Neighbours are often nearby when an emergency, disaster or unexpected situations occur. Knowing your neighbours makes it easier to ask for help when you need it, or offer help to those who need it most.
Updates
To receive regular updates on new programming join the Resilience Builders Network by sending an email to [email protected].
Videos
The 'Get Prepared: 60 Second Emergency Tips' video series delivers simple steps that anyone can take to become better prepared for an emergency or disaster.
Take a minute today to learn about what you can do to become better prepared, and share the videos online and within your community.
To view the video in full screen, click on the title of the video or the YouTube icon.
How to prepare for extreme heat
Learn about extreme heat events and how to protect yourself and others.
How can you prepare for winter driving?
Cold, snow and ice can make winter driving dangerous. Learn how you can prepare for road conditions in the winter months.
How can you prepare for extreme cold?
Learn how to stay safe when the temperature drops below -40°C or wind chill makes it feel that cold.
How can you prepare for an outage?
A power or water outage can create dangerous situations. Learn steps you can take to become better prepared.
How can you be prepared before an emergency?
Emergencies affect us all differently and help is not always available in the way we expect. Learn what steps you can take to ensure your needs are met when it matters most.
What can you do during an emergency to stay safe?
Protecting yourself and your loved ones will depend on the hazard, but these tips can help you manage emergencies and disasters safely.
What can you do to help you recover after an emergency?
Being prepared can help speed up your recovery time so you can get back to your life and work sooner.
How can you prepare to evacuate?
Authorities may evacuate your community if lives are at risk. Learn how to plan for an evacuation alert or evacuation order.
Why should you have an emergency kit?
Unexpected situations can happen to any of us. Having an emergency kit is one step to being more prepared.
How does knowing your community help you become more prepared?
Knowing your neighbours makes it easier to ask for help when you need it most. Learn ways to safely connect with your community.
More videos on being prepared
Be prepared brochure
The Be Prepared brochure lists tips, web sites, resources and contacts to help educate your community about emergency preparedness and risk reduction.
Printing instructions: use the double-sided print setting and flip on the short edge.
Checklists and translations
Use the following checklists to build specific emergency kits. Translated versions are also available in українською (Ukrainian), عربي (Arabic), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Deutsch (High German), Plautdietsch (Low German), Español (Spanish), Français (French) and Tagalog (Tagalog).
Fact sheets
Helpful materials you can read, download, print and share online and within your community. Translated versions are also available in українською (Ukrainian), عربي (Arabic), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Deutsch (High German), Plautdietsch (Low German), Español (Spanish), Français (French) and Tagalog (Tagalog).
QR code posters
This is a touch-free way to share preparedness information to community members through their smartphone.
The posters use an embedded QR code you scan with your phone’s camera app to display micro lesson videos or other online content directly on your device.
Download, print and display the posters to encourage your community members to take small steps towards becoming more prepared.
- What is the difference between emergencies and disasters?
- How can you prepare for an outage?
- What are hazards and how can they affect you?
- How can you prepare for a tornado?
- How can you prepare for a flood?
- How can you prepare for a wildfire?
- How can you be financially prepared for a disaster?
- How can you ensure your pets are safe when an emergency occurs?
- How can you prepare for an emergency or disaster without spending a lot of money?
- Why should you have an emergency kit?
- What goes in your emergency kit?
Infographics
These infographics provide preparedness information in an easy to understand format.
Download and share these infographics with your community through communication channels available to you – online, email, and newsletters.
Social media
#BePrepared
Become a champion of the #BePrepared challenge in your community.
Send us an email at [email protected] to receive 8 weeks of preparedness messages that you can copy, edit and share with your communities as you see fit.
#PrepareYourSelfie
The #PrepareYourSelfie challenge uses social media to help you become better prepared. You can share what you did to become more prepared with others through the #PrepareYourSelfie hashtag. Use the hashtag to create conversations with your community, invite local leaders to share the message and challenge businesses and neighbouring communities to #PrepareYourSelfie too.
Send us an email at [email protected] to receive information to support your #PrepareYourSelfie challenge.
Other hashtags
#ReadyforAnything
#Preparedness
#ThisIsPreparedness
#EmergencyPreparedness
Contact
Connect with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-9000
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Connect with one of our regional offices, visit AEMA regional offices.