All Things Emergency Preparedness
Get Ready in the Park:
Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Northlands Fair Grounds, south of the Edmonton EXPO Centre (7515 118 Ave NW)
Get Ready in the Park allows residents to meet people who work on the frontlines during emergencies, provides opportunities to discuss personal preparedness strategies such as creating and practicing home fire escape plans, and enables Edmontonians to explore emergency vehicles and equipment in a fun, safe setting. More info here.
Fire Safety:
Did you know that Edmonton is home to the largest urban forest in North America?
The parks and natural areas in Edmonton provide numerous ecosystem service benefits to residents and wildlife, yet there is an inherent fire risk due to dry conditions, availability of fuel and topography.
This spring let’s ensure we’re all prepared for wildfires and prevent them where possible.
Residents can help prevent fires in natural areas by:
Calling 911 if they see smoke or fire.
Refrain from smoking in natural, naturalized and vegetation-covered areas.
Safely disposing of cigarettes in fire-safe containers.
Observe all fire ban rules by not using unauthorized fire pits in parks or natural areas.
Follow the regulations established within the Community Standards Bylaw and Parkland bylaw as it relates to fire pits.
Do not dump yard debris in natural or naturalized areas as this increases the available fuel for fires.
Resources & More Information:
Personal Preparedness - edmonton.ca/programs_services/emergency_preparedness/personal-preparedness
Fireworks:
Fireworks can be extremely dangerous and disruptive to individuals, property and the environment if not used or handled correctly. Firework use fall under the Public Places Bylaw 14614 and Community Standards Bylaw 14600.
Reminder: Any use of fireworks without proper permitting is illegal and subject to enforcement which can include fines of up to $10,000.
Visit edmonton.ca/Fireworks
Air Quality:
The threshold for air quality activations is 2 consecutive days of a score of 7 or higher on the Air Quality Health Index. Activations will include the following measures:
Open City facilities will be available for anyone needing respite from the smoke, such as recreation centres, pools and libraries. Transit centres and LRT stations are not appropriate for respite from smoke because most of these facilities are exposed to the outside air and do not have controlled indoor climates.
Distribution of N95 masks to social agency partners to provide to community members in need of protection from smoke.
The City encourages people to take any and all actions to reduce exposure to the smoke. For example, keep all building and vehicle windows and doors closed as much as possible.
The City also encourages Edmontonians to check in on older family, friends and neighbours. If you are concerned about someone outside, you can help by calling: 211 and press 3 for the 24/7 Crisis Diversion team. They can assist with individuals who may be in distress and can provide transportation to social service agencies. 911 in cases of emergency.
Information can be found here on what the City of Edmonton is doing in its commitment to maintaining and improving Edmonton's air quality.
Climate Action:
Edmontonians embrace sustainability and fostering conditions for present and future generations to live, work and play in our city.
With climate records indicating that Edmonton is warming at a faster rate than the global average, in 2019 City Council declared a climate emergency to reaffirm their commitment to making Edmonton a climate resilient city.
The 2022 Climate Change and Energy Perception Survey shows:
○ 77% of Edmontonians believe we need to take action now.
○ 75% of Edmontonians agree that climate change is a concern.
○ Edmontonians want the City to either increase (47%) or maintain (23%) its efforts to address climate change.
In 2022, Council funded approximately $371 million for climate action over the 2023-2026 budget cycle.
Globally, it is expected that tens of trillions of dollars will be invested in energy transition over the next several years. As energy leaders, we see the emerging green sectors as a great opportunity for economic growth, leading to job creation and regional prosperity while protecting our environment.
"As your City Councillor, I remain deeply committed to environmental stewardship, actively pursing climate action and mitigation strategies, while striving to foster resilient economic and social conditions for both present and future generations." - Erin
