Emergency Planning

Register for Emergency Alerts

In the event of an emergency, information will be sent to subscribers of the Town’s Emergency Alerts.

Register for Alerts to receive information or direction on what to do in the event of a flood, wildfire, train derailment, active shooter, or other potential disasters. Emergency alerts will also be posted on the banff.ca home page and the Town’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

Don’t wait for an emergency to happen. There are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones.

Shelter-in-Place Instructions

Download Shelter-in-Place instructions (PDF)

Immediately gather everyone indoors and stay there
Close and lock all windows and outside doors
- If convenient, tape or fill the gaps around the exterior door and window frames
Extinguish indoor wood burning fires
- If possible, close flue dampers
Turn off appliances or equipment that blows out or uses indoor air, such as:
- Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
- Built-in vacuum systems
- Clothes dryers
- Gas fireplaces
- Gas stoves
Turn off appliances or equipment that sucks in outside air, such as:
- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems for apartments, commercial or public facilities
- Fans for Heat Recovery Ventilators or Energy Recovery Ventilators (HRV/ERV)
Turn down furnace thermostats to the minimum setting and turn off air conditioners
Leave open all inside doors
Avoid using the telephone or cell phone, except for emergencies, so that networks are accessible for emergency use and you can be contacted by Town of Banff emergency response personnel if necessary
Stay tuned to local radio, television, Town of Banff social media and website for possible information updates
Even if you see people outside, do not leave until told to do so by Town of Banff emergency response personnel
After the hazard or emergency has passed through the area, you will receive a "Declaration of All Clear" message from Town of Banff emergency response personnel. You may also receive if required, instructions to:
- Ventilate your building by opening all windows and doors, turning on fans and turning up thermostats. During this time, the air outside may be fresher and you may choose to leave your building while the building is being ventilated
- Once the building is completely ventilated, return all equipment to normal settings and operation

Residential Evacuation Checklist

Download Residential Evacuation Checklist (PDF)

Preparation

If time is available or notice of intent to evacuate the area is given, the following preparations should be immediately taken by residents:

Alert all family members immediately;
Maintain constant knowledge of whereabouts of all family members;
Private motor vehicles should be prepared and fueled;
Emergency supplies should be readied; and
Secure or prepare to secure your home on departure.

Equipment

Most important items to take with you, time permitting, are:

Protective clothing – clothing appropriate to the weather conditions; such as a parka, winter jackets, overcoat, rain gear, boots, gloves, etc. and extra functional clothing for an extended stay;
Emergency equipment – first aid kit, flashlight, portable radios, batteries, basic tools, matches, candles, etc.;
Personal items – medicines, money, personal papers, identification, etc.; and
Emergency food and water – basic utensils, dry foods, high-energy snacks, etc.

Optional Items

The following items, if available time and space permit, could prove useful in temporary accommodations and would lessen the burden on the hosting municipality:

Bedding – sleeping bags, extra blankets, camp cots, or air mattresses;
Camping or portable furniture – lawn chairs, camp stoves, cooking utensils, etc.;
Recreational materials – books, cards, games, handheld video games, etc.

Prohibited Items

Do not take alcoholic beverages, firearms, or dangerous articles with you.

Pets

Plan to take your pets with you in an evacuation. If it is not safe for you to stay, it is not safe for them either. The following should be considered:

Ensure all pets are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification.
Ensure pet emergency supplies are ready, like food, water, and any medications.
Most shelters cannot accept pets. Know which friends or boarding facilities can care for your animals in an emergency, or which hotels in your area are pet friendly and prepare a list with phone numbers.
Be prepared to house your pets separately.

Security

On evacuating, residences should be secured (i.e., doors/windows locked, heat turned off/down/etc., (instruction will be issued) and "attractive" items stored indoors, time permitting.

Medications/Drugs

Special medications should be taken along with the person. Inform Registrar at the Reception Centre of your special medical needs.