Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. Over the summer months, Albertans should be prepared for the possibility of severe weather or wildfires. For current weather information, check Environment Canada weather warnings.

On this page:

• Severe weather events
  • Thunderstorms
  • Tornadoes
  • Floods
• Wildfires

Severe weather events

Keep informed of the possibility of severe weather, and learn what to do if the situation arises. Follow these safety practices if severe weather strikes:

If a severe weather watch has been issued for your area:

• Stay alert and listen to local broadcast outlets for severe weather warnings.

If a thunderstorm approaches:

• Get away from open areas, such as fields and golf courses, immediately.
• If you are outdoors when a thunderstorm approaches and you feel static electricity around your body, you may be in danger of being struck by lightning. Kneel on the ground immediately, with feet together, place your hands on your knees and bend forward.
• Watch out for flash floods.

If a tornado or extreme winds threaten:

• Seek shelter in a sturdy building (not a mobile home) immediately.
• Go to the basement or an interior area on the lowest level of the building, such as a small room, hallway, closet or bathroom.
• Close windows and doors and stay away from windows, doors, fireplaces and exterior walls.
• Take shelter under sturdy furniture or cover yourself with a cushion or mattress.
• If you are unable to find shelter, lay down in a dry, low-lying area such as a ditch.
• Be alert for the possibility of flooding.
• Remain a safe distance from water, trees, power poles and objects that could be picked up and thrown on top of you.
• If you are in an area of flying debris, protect your head.

Tip: Maintain an emergency kit containing food, clothing, blankets, a first aid kit and medication, a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries, a flashlight or lantern and tools for emergency repair jobs. Check them often and keep them in your pre-arranged shelter area. Carry a similar kit in your vehicle.

• Emergency kit checklist
• Personal and family checklist (pdf, opens in a new window)

Emergency Preparedness Fact Sheets

• Tornadoes (pdf, opens in a new window)
• Flood Disaster Guide (pdf, opens in a new window)
• Before Flooding (pdf, opens in a new window)
• After Flooding (pdf, opens in a new window)

Wildfires

Wildfire season starts April 1. Albertans are reminded to exercise safe fire practices while enjoying the province’s forested landscapes. That includes getting a fire permit when planning to burn anything in the forest protection area (see map). Permits are free and available from any Sustainable Resource Development office. Albertans outside the Forest Protection Area should contact their municipal district or county office to learn more about fire restrictions in their area.

Forest and grassland fires can ignite easily and spread quickly. In 2007, 1,349 wildfires burned more than 103,000 hectares of forest, an area nearly twice the size of Edmonton.

To help prevent wildfires, keep the following fire safety tips in mind:

• When planning a camping trip, check to see if there are any fire bans or fire advisories is in effect by monitoring the provincial fire bans/forest closures website.
• When camping in a campground, use the fire facility provided; these stoves, rings and pits are located and designed to prevent a campfire from spreading to nearby forest cover.
• Look for signs that warn of potential fire hazards in provincial parks and campgrounds; always obey park regulations.
• Keep campfires small, and never leave your campfire unattended.
• Clear away any dry, burnable debris for at least one metre around your campfire.
• Keep a supply of water nearby.
• Build your fire on rocks and sand in an open area (not under a tree).
• When extinguishing your campfire, soak it with water, stir up the ashes, and soak it again. Always make sure your fire is completely out before leaving the campsite.

Rural residents living in forested areas are encouraged to practice FireSmart techniques to help protect their homes from wildfire.

More information

• Emergency Public Warning System
• Alberta Emergency Management Agency
• Wildfire information
• Disaster recovery programs process and background