Disasters can happen! Are you prepared?
Calgarians are invited to the fifth annual Disaster Alley, where everyone can learn just how important it is to prepare for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.
Hosted by the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), Disaster Alley is this Sunday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McMahon Stadium (1817 Crowchild Trail N.W.). This event will give Calgarians an opportunity to learn how they can be prepared and to see how first responders and partner agencies prepare for emergencies and disasters such as floods, tornadoes, train derailments, airport shutdowns, power outages and severe summer and winter storms.
“I recommend everyone come down to Disaster Alley; emergencies can occur quickly and preparation is the key to protecting yourself and your loved ones,” says Tom Sampson, Deputy Chief of CEMA. “Know the risks, make a plan, and have a 72-hour emergency kit. It could save your life.”
CEMA will be handing out Household Emergency Action Plan booklets at the event, along with a checklist of what you need to include in a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit.
“The first 72 hours of a disaster are the busiest for emergency services,” says Deputy Chief Sampson. “If you are not in distress, you can help by taking care of yourself and your family for the first 72 hours, which will free up first responders to help those who need it most.”
The Honourable Rick Fraser, Associate Minister – Recovery and Reconstruction of High River; Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi; Acting Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc; and CEMA Deputy Chief Sampson will speak beginning at 1 p.m. Before and after, attendees are encouraged to visit with the more than 30 different exhibitors who will have interactive displays and demonstrations set up in the east parking lot of McMahon Stadium.
Disaster Alley exhibitors include:
- Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development – Support and Emergency Response Team and the Wildfire Management Branch
- Alberta Health Services – Emergency Medical Services
- Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA)
- Alberta One-Call
- ATCOGas
- Bridges of Love
- Calgary Airport Authority
- Calgary Emergency Management Agency
- Calgary Fire Department
- City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services
- City of Calgary Customer Service & Communications
- City of Calgary Development and Building Approvals – Building Regulations
- City of Calgary Recovery Operations Centre
- City of Calgary Recreation – Glenmore Sailing School and Boat Patrol
- City of Calgary Water Services and Water Resources
- Calgary Search and Rescue Association (CALSARA)
- Calgary Transit
- Calgary Transit – Public Safety & Enforcement
- Calgary Police Services (HAWCs, canine unit, mounted patrol, traffic section, District 2)
- Canada Task Force 2 (CANTF2)
- Canadian Red Cross
- ENMAX
- Public Safety Communications (9-1-1)
- Salvation Army
- Samaritan's Purse - Canada
- St. John Ambulance
- STARS
This informative event is free and fun for the whole family and will include some of Calgary’s favourite food trucks. Parking is limited, so taking public transit is recommended.
Disaster Alley is the kick-off event for Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4-10), which is a national initiative designed to build a culture of preparedness in Canada.
CEMA works with other City departments, corporations, communities and non-profit agencies to facilitate a coordinated response to and recovery from emergencies and disasters. CEMA also works to increase our capacity to be prepared, become less vulnerable, and recover more quickly from a disaster, leading to a stronger, more resilient community.
For more information on Disaster Alley 2014, visit Calgary.ca/disasteralley.
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