Emergency Preparedness

Current Operations

The Office of Emergency Preparedness is currently monitoring the H1N1 influenza outbreak and is updating the City's pandemic plan. The City's role in the event of a serious outbreak of the H1N1 virus in Edmonton is to:

  • Maintain essential services such as police and fire and the continuity of local government
  • Look after the health and safety of City employees and their families
  • Support the efforts of Alberta Health Services in managing the virus

Current Training and Events

  • January 13th, 2010 Torch Run
  • January 26-28th, 2010 ICS 300 (full)
  • February 9th, 2010 Community Emergency Preparedness Program: Train the Trainer
  • March 3, 2010 Administrative Support Workshop
  • March 10th and 11th, 2010 ICS 200

Winter

Blizzards are the most threatening of winter storms in Alberta. A typical Alberta blizzard will last longer than six hours, combine falling, blowing and drifting snow with wind speeds over 40 km per hour (25 miles), reduce visibility, produce low temperatures and a snowfall of more than 10 centimetres (4 inches) in a 12 hour period. A powerful blizzard will often force highway and school closures, cause power and gas outages, leave motorists stranded or at worst, disable communities.

If your car gets stuck in a blizzard or snowstorm, remain calm and stay in your car. Allow fresh air in your car by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side -- away from the wind. You can run the car engine about 10 minutes every half-hour if the exhaust system is working well. Beware of exhaust fumes and check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it is not blocked with snow. Remember: you can't smell potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes.

To keep your hands and feet warm, exercise them periodically. In general, it is a good idea to keep moving to avoid falling asleep. If you do try to shovel the snow from around your car, avoid overexerting yourself -- shovelling and bitter cold can kill. Keep watch for traffic or searchers.

For more information on how to plan and be prepared, check out the following links:

Alberta Motor Association

Alberta Emergency Management Agency - Blizzards and Road Travel

Public Safety Canada - Severe Storms

 

 

 

For more information:

For more information on emergency preparedness programs

Title Office of Emergency Preparedness
Telephone

780-944-6420
TTY 780-425-1231
Fax 780-496-3062
Email oep@edmonton.ca
Website (visit website)

Be Prepared

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