Emergency Management

Get Ready: Emergency Preparedness Week is Here! Learn, Plan, Prepare  

Emergency Preparedness Week is upon us, reminding us of the importance of being ready for any unexpected event. From natural disasters to unforeseen emergencies, being prepared can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe. This week, we urge everyone to take proactive steps towards readiness and resilience. 

Why Prepare? Emergencies can strike without warning, leaving us vulnerable if we're not prepared. By having a well-thought-out plan, essential supplies, and knowledge of local resources, we empower ourselves to handle emergencies effectively. Preparedness is not just about surviving; it's about thriving during challenging times. 

Key Steps for Preparedness: 

Make a Plan: Develop a detailed emergency plan for yourself and your family that everyone understands. 

• Identify escape routes, meeting points and important contact numbers. 
• Talk about what you would do, where you would go and how you would stay in touch if you were not together or home when an emergency order is issued. 

Have a Plan for your Pets: Have an emergency pet plan to reduce stress for you and your pet. Consider: 

• How you will gather and transport your pets. 
• Where you will go and what to bring. 
• What your pet’s stressors are and how you can calm them. 
• If your pet is friendly with people and animals. 
• If your pet has food and medications that require refrigeration. 
• Create an emergency pet-friendly contact list that includes hotels, kennels, shelters, friends and family in and outside of your community. 
• Access for pets varies across the province, not all reception centres accept animals. 
• Learn more about pet preparedness. 

Build a Kit: Stock up on essential supplies such as food, water, medications, first aid items, and important documents, enough for at least 72 hours. 

• Keep the kit in an easily accessible location. 
• Create a packing list to help you act quickly in a stressful situation. 

Stay Informed: Stay updated with local emergency alerts, weather forecasts, and community resources. 

• Pay attention to emergency alerts and local news updates. 
• Follow social media accounts of relevant authorities for real-time information and download the Alberta Emergency Alert app and Alberta 511. 
• Please see the Town of Olds website and Facebook page for regular updates. 
• For pamphlets and information on what to do in case of an emergency can be found at the Community Connection Center or https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness. 
• Trusted sources of information to promote:  
• 511 Alberta – Traveller information, know before you go 
• Alberta Wildfire – Stay current on Alberta’s wildfire situation 
• WeatherCan – Weather alert notices for your area  
• Alberta Rivers: Data and Advisories – Latest information about Alberta’s rivers, including flood advisories   
• Alberta Government apps – AQHI Canada, Alberta Fire Bans, etc. and   
• Alberta Government advisories – For health events, disasters and public safety on crown land.  
• Government of Alberta   

Understand and Follow Alerts and Warnings: People should prepare to evacuate if situation deteriorates. 

• Evacuation alerts help you prepare to leave on short notice. 
• Take the actions directed, be prepared to go quickly and monitor trusted sources of information for updates. 

Evacuation order (critical): People must evacuate now. 

• Evacuation orders are issued when you are in danger. 

• Emergency situations can change rapidly and prompt an immediate evacuation order. 

• Evacuate immediately if you are located inside an order's boundaries and directed to evacuate. 

• Delaying your departure can put your life at risk and hinder emergency response efforts. 

• Follow the specific instructions provided by your local authorities during an evacuation. 

• Always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you. 

Protect your property: Heavy wind and rain can cause damage to your home and property. Are you ready for spring and summer storms? To prepare your home for storms, check: 

•  The seal around your windows, skylights and doors to prevent water leaks.  
• Your drainage, such as eavestroughs and downspouts, so they are clear of debris and point away from your home. 
• For loose objects outside, secure them so they won’t become a hazard in strong winds.  

Plan for Transportation:  

• Regularly top up vehicle fuel or battery charge. Maintain more than half a tank of fuel and keep electric vehicles at least half-charged at all times. 

• If you do not have a vehicle, plan with friends, or contact your local emergency management office for support. 

Conclusion: This Emergency Preparedness Week let's commit to being proactive, informed, and prepared. By taking simple yet crucial steps towards readiness, we can ensure the safety and well-being of ourselves, our families, and our community. Remember, preparedness saves lives! 

Stay prepared, stay safe! 

Alberta Emergency Alerts

The Town of Olds uses  Alberta Emergency Alerts to notify people when a disaster or emergency is occurring. Signing up to receive this information directly will ensure you are better informed about possible potential risk to your health, safety, or community. Tune into local radio stations 96.5 CKFM and Rock 104.5 for additional emergency information.

Social Media Updates

The Town of Olds Facebook social media stream is our primary notification for any emergencies that may arrise. Ensure you "like us on Facebook" to receive important municipal information and updates.

Information Line

If needed, the Town of Olds has the ability to set up a 24-hour call centre and information line: 403-556-6981.  

• Get Prepared (Government of Canada)
• Alberta Emergency Management Agency (Government of Alberta)

• Alberta Emergency Alert

  • Alberta Emergency Alert - App Download (Google Play)

  • Alberta Emergency Alert - App Download (iTunes)
• Alberta 511 - Road Conditions (App Download links available on page)