For the 25th annual Emergency Preparedness Week across Canada, the Town of Banff urges all residents and businesses that the Number 1 action everyone should do is sign up for the Town’s Emergency Alerts, which help inform and mobilize people in the event of flood, wildfire, train derailment, severe storm, or other potential disasters. The alert system is also ready in the event Alberta Health Services requests mass notification for COVID-19 contact tracing.
“The last few months have shown us that all residents have a role to play in emergency preparedness,” said Silvio Adamo, the Town of Banff’s Director of Emergency Management. “One of the best ways to be prepared is to stay informed when seconds count, and we ask all residents and businesses to be prepared by registering for our Emergency Alerts.”
Residents can sign up for Emergency Alerts at banff.ca/emergency. In the event of an emergency, subscribers will receive a text or email with critical information or directions for people in the community.
“In Banff, May marks the start of flood season. We are affected by a different set of variables than downstream communities, and we work closely with Parks Canada and other agencies to monitor snow pack, precipitation, and river flow rates,” said Adamo. “We do not have a high risk right now but that can change as temperatures rise in the higher altitudes. We also have wildfire season coming – another reason for people to register for Emergency Alerts, and take some time to prepare an evacuation kit and follow our checklists to get ready.”
The Town provides tools such as shelter-in-place instructions, emergency checklists, and 72-hour eviction readiness guides on the website at banff.ca/emergency. An updated Evacuation Guide will be distributed to all dwellings in later this month. Normally, the Town conducts annual emergency exercises with local agency partners, but with the COVID-19 crisis, the Town asks residents to take time at home to become familiar with the guide and web tools.
For more information on being prepared, or for assistance preparing a plan, visit banff.ca/emergency or email firedepartment@banff.ca.