(High River flood, 2013. The Canadian Press)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Feb. 1-2, 2023

Emergency exercise ensures Alberta is ready to manage risks

Jan 31, 2023 | 10:42 AM

Officials with the Alberta government say emergency management experts are meeting for a two-day emergency management exercise that will use a simulated flood scenario to test their response to a major emergency.

Emergency management exercises are described as vital to ensuring the Government of Alberta and its partners respond effectively when emergencies and disasters occur.

Officials say the emergency management exercise (EMX23) on Feb. 1 and 2 is designed to simulate government’s response to a significant event, using the scenario of a sunny day dam failure that results in flooding for downstream communities. The exercise does not include any live action components but will give the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and other emergency management professionals an opportunity to identify their response to the scenario, assess their emergency plans and discuss areas for improvement.

“Disasters can happen at any time. That’s why it’s important to train together to make sure we’re ready to help as quickly as possible when an emergency response is required. I’m proud to announce an upgraded, larger facility that will allow government to better respond to a full range of emergencies. Thank you to the thousands of men and women – professionals and volunteers – who continue to protect Albertans and our communities during disasters,” says Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

EMX 23 is being held at the improved Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre, previously known as the Provincial Operations Centre. Officials note the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre moved into the Muriel Stanley Venne Provincial Centre in October 2021, with more space and improved technology. The upgraded facility is said to improve coordination, communication, accessibility and overall function for the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and its partners.

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“Exercises like these are just one of the reasons Alberta is better prepared than ever for a flood event. Through our River Forecast Centre and our work with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and municipal partners, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas continues to gather and analyze data, develop flood mitigation plans and practise our response to flood events to help protect Alberta communities. I commend and appreciate their hard work and look forward to hearing the results of this important preparedness exercise,” adds Sonya Savage, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

“Emergency preparedness is vital to protecting the businesses, livestock and property of Alberta farmers from natural disasters like floods. The increased protection provided by upgrades to the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre is good news for our agriculture sector, rural economy and every Albertan living in downstream communities,” shares Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

“Realistic training and exercises, such as EMX23, are critical opportunities for the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and its emergency management partners to collaborate, confirm responsibilities and test response procedures – with the ultimate goal of minimizing the risk of casualties and loss of property,” notes Stephen Lacroix, managing director, Alberta Emergency Management Agency.

Albertans are encouraged to practise 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 practise 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.

Alberta government quick facts

• Emergency management exercises have been held annually in Alberta since 2001.
• The upgraded Provincial Emergency Coordination 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.
• Alberta’s emergency management system is designed to protect life, property and the environment by providing a unified, coordinated and resilient response to emergencies.