| Parks Canada photo
Fuchsia Dragon | [email protected]
The first week in May is Emergency Preparedness Week, a time to get updated on wildfire risks and make sure you are ready in case of evacuation.
And this year comes with an added complication: the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淭he key message now more than ever is: We must be prepared,鈥� said Greg Van Tighem, fire chief and director of Jasper鈥檚 Emergency Coordination Centre.
For the past few months, the municipality and Parks Canada have been working together to get organized for wildfire season, which officially started March 1.
Van Tighem said: 鈥淚t is really important that residents understand there's a responsibility for them, as individuals and family groups, to need to be prepared because everything they do will help streamline our effort if there is a wildfire or other emergency.鈥�
Being self sufficient and reliant in an emergency or evacuation scenario is going to be even more important this year because of COVID-19 health restrictions.
The pandemic has made evacuation planning much more complex, with thought being put into physical distancing at meeting locations and on transportation.
鈥淧eople being prepared and ready will make a big difference so we can focus on the emergency,鈥� said Van Tighem.
鈥淭his year more than ever, be ready.鈥�
The municipality recommends Jasperites get prepared this week by doing the following things:
- Go to www.jasper-alberta.com/notifyme and sign up to receive municipal emergency alerts by text or email.
- Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app and set your location to Jasper so you will be notified in the event an evacuation alert or evacuation order will be broadcast on both platforms (municipal alert system and Alberta Emergency Alert).
- Maintain an emergency kit stocked with supplies such as water, food, battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Store important documents such as passports, birth certificates, banking information and insurance papers in a safe, easy to reach location.
- If you have a vehicle, make a habit of keeping the tank full so you can evacuate without delay if required. Keep a vehicle emergency kit and include an extra phone charger with necessary adapters.
Van Tighem said another key thing for residents to do this week is look at their own properties and do a FireSmart assessment.
Jasper Fire Department鈥檚 FireSmart program is running differently from usual this year, too. Instead of working in groups in neighbourhoods, firefighters will work more one-on-one with residents.
For more information go to .
