By rdnewsNOW staff

Prepping for disaster

Emergency response exercise involves scenario with tornado in Red Deer

Feb 27, 2020 | 2:34 PM

A scenario involving a tornado in Red Deer is part of emergency management exercises taking place in Edmonton that are aimed at strengthening our province’s response during times of disaster.

This year’s exercise – known as Emergency Management Exercise 2020 or EMX 20 – is described as a realistic simulation of multiple tornadoes affecting the Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary areas. When one or more devastating tornadoes occur, a ‘whole of society’ response is needed. All levels of government, municipalities, emergency management professionals, Indigenous groups, industry and non-government organizations are involved.

“As leaders in emergency management, we regularly practice and prepare for emergencies and disasters. EMX 20 is an opportunity for us to bring government staff and emergency management partners together over a three-day period to strengthen our emergency response efforts,” says Kaycee Madu, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “During real disasters and emergencies, these dedicated individuals are there 24-7 to help keep us safe and up-to-date with the latest information.”

During EMX 20, emergency management professionals have the opportunity to simulate responses to various challenges that arise during and after a major emergency. They will practise working together, confirm their organizations’ roles and responsibilities, and test their response procedures. Exercise participants will be at the Provincial Operations Centre from Wednesday through Friday.

Disasters in Alberta have increased over the years, the province says in a release, adding emergency management exercises are vital to ensuring the Government of Alberta and its community partners respond effectively when emergencies and disasters occur.

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Albertans are encouraged to practice their own emergency preparation, as disasters can occur with little to no warning. Here are a few tips on how to be prepared:

• sign up to receive Alberta emergency alerts

• build and maintain emergency kits

• have an emergency plan in place and practice that plan with your family

• review your insurance coverage with your provider to ensure that you have sufficient coverage to protect your family and property

The Provincial Operations Centre is part of Alberta’s emergency management system and mitigates, prepares for, responds to, and helps recovery during emergencies and disasters. The centre is staffed 24-7.