Latest news with #PublicSafetyandEmergencyServices
Edmonton Journal
28-05-2025
- Health
- Edmonton Journal
Banff Mineral Springs Hospital installs sprinklers to reduce wildfire threat
Article content 'We know how devastating a forest fire can be to a community and how important it is to protect key infrastructure including hospitals,' said site administrator Margie Smith in a Wednesday statement. 'The new fire protection at Mineral Springs Hospital increases site, patient and staff safety, and it also will allow firefighters to focus on protecting other parts of our community, knowing the hospital is largely self-sufficient.' The Banff hospital is the first health-care facility in Alberta to have such a system, said Smith, who hopes other facilities in the province and country will add them. Banff fire chief Keri Martens said embers from wildfire can be blown into town from kilometres away. 'The sprinkler system will help Banff firefighters protect critical infrastructure during an emergency,' said Martens in a statement. Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis said the Alberta government applauds Covenant Health's efforts to proactively protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of the hospital during wildfires. The Town of Banff has a roof sprinkler incentive program, through which eligible Banff homeowners can purchase a roof sprinkler kit at a reduced cost after a free FireSmart home inspection.
Calgary Herald
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Calgary Herald
Alberta emergency alert test scheduled for Wednesday afternoon
The Government of Alberta will be testing the Emergency Alert System province-wide on Wednesday, May 7 at 1:55 p.m. as part of Emergency Preparedness Week. Article content Article content This test will be sent out on TV, radio, websites, social media, the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app and compatible smart phones. It is not possible to opt out of alerts. Article content 'We recognize that some might find these tests to be a disturbance, but it is essential that we test our emergency system to make sure it's ready when we need it,' said Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis in a Monday statement about the alert. Article content Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 4 to 10, and the goal is for Albertans to understand the disruption wildfires, floods, tornados or other emergencies would cause, and understand how to be prepared for those situations. Article content Article content 'As we know all too well in Alberta, disaster can strike at any moment, and being prepared can save lives. That's why it is so important to know the risks that exist in our communities and be prepared to navigate a range of emergencies and disruptions, big or small, at any time,' said Ellis. Article content Alberta's Emergency Alert System is used by various organizations in the province to make residents aware of a variety of emergencies. Article content Local authorities handle fires, floods, and hazardous materials, police manage criminal events including AMBER Alerts, Alberta 511 handle hazardous road conditions and Environment Canada oversees weather -related alerts. Article content In recent days, the alert has been used in northern Alberta as wildfires caused evacuations in Grande Prairie and Sturgeon Lake. Article content Article content This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. The County of Grande Prairie has updated a Wildfire alert. This Evacuation Order is still in effect for everyone south of Township Road 710 to 27 Avenue, and East of Range Road 64 to Highway 40 in County of Grande Prairie. Fire crews continue… — Alberta Emergency Alert (@AB_EmergAlert) May 5, 2025 Article content Calgarians received a dangerous person emergency alert in late 2024 after a double homicide in the city, warning that the suspect may be on the loose in the area. Article content The city also received an emergency alert after the city suffered a catastrophic water main break last summer, resulting in months of water restrictions. Article content These alerts provide residents in the affected areas with real-time information on situations, and allow people to respond appropriately to the emergency. Article content The province emphasized that local and provincial governments are prepared for emergencies, but the response will be more successful if individuals, households and organizations are also prepared. Article content The government recommends five steps for preparedness. Article content Know your risks: Identify hazards and understand the risks they pose to make navigating disruptions simpler. Article content Get and stay informed: It is recommended to follow official government channels on social media, and download apps such as Alberta Emergency Alert, 511 Alberta and WeatherCan to stay up-to-date on critical information. Article content Make a plan: Create an emergency plan for your household to better manage the stress of an emergency or disaster. Article content Build a kit: Having supplies ready at a moment's notice will hasten your response in an emergency. Visit the Government of Alberta website for tips on what to put in an emergency kit.
