Emergency Preparedness

The Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133 is committed to helping residents prepare for emergencies through our partnership in the Central Peace Regional Emergency Management (CPREM). This collaboration with Saddle Hills County, Birch Hills County, the Town of Spirit River, and the Village of Rycroft strengthens our collective ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Emergencies can happen at any time. Being prepared helps protect your family, property, and livestock, while supporting a faster and more effective community response.

Know the Risks in Our Region

The Central Peace area in northern Alberta faces hazards such as:

  • Wildfires — particularly during dry spring and summer conditions.
  • Flooding — from spring runoff, heavy rains, or ice jams.
  • Extreme weather — blizzards, freezing rain, high winds, and power outages.
  • Other events — transportation incidents, disease outbreaks, or hazardous material spills.

Understanding local risks is the first step. Review your property’s vulnerabilities and stay informed through official channels.

Make an Emergency Plan

Develop a household plan that includes:

  • Evacuation routes and a safe meeting place.
  • Communication — who to contact if separated (include an out-of-area contact).
  • Special needs — medications, medical equipment, pets, and livestock.
  • Utilities — know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity.
  • Roles — assign responsibilities to family members.

Practice your plan regularly with drills. Integrate livestock-specific plans where applicable.

Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

Prepare supplies to sustain your household for at least 72 hours (3 days) without services. Store items in easy-to-carry containers and rotate stock regularly.

Essential Items Include:

  • Water — 4 litres per person per day (drinking and sanitation).
  • Non-perishable food — with manual can opener.
  • First aid kit, medications, and prescriptions.
  • Flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries.
  • Cash in small bills, important documents (in waterproof bag).
  • Clothing, blankets, seasonal gear, and personal hygiene items.
  • Tools — multi-purpose tool, duct tape, whistle.
  • Pet and livestock supplies — food, water, medications, and handling equipment.

Customize your kit for infants, elderly family members, or those with disabilities.

Stay Informed and Connected

  • Sign up for CPREM alerts through Voyent! Alert and monitor local updates.
  • Follow CPREM on social media and visit cprem.ca.
  • Listen to local radio and Environment Canada weather alerts.
  • Build community connections — know your neighbours and consider a “buddy system.”

During an Emergency:

  • Follow instructions from authorities (evacuate when ordered).
  • Call 911 for life-threatening situations.
  • Use social media cautiously — rely on official sources.

Municipal Support and Resources

The MD works with CPREM partners to coordinate responses, including potential evacuation support and recovery efforts. Agricultural producers can access livestock-specific guidance through our Agricultural Services team.

Contact the Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133:

For after-hours emergencies, call 911. Visit cprem.ca for regional plans, alerts, and resources.

Additional Resources

  • Alberta Emergency Preparedness — alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness (kits, plans, and hazard guides).
  • CPREM Website — Regional alerts, wildfire information, and agriculture preparedness.
  • Other Central Peace municipal websites for shared resources.

Next Steps for Residents

  1. Build or update your emergency kit.
  2. Create and practice your family plan.
  3. Review livestock preparedness if applicable.
  4. Stay connected and informed year-round.

Preparation builds resilience for our community. Small actions today can make a big difference during an emergency. For personalized advice, contact the MD office or Agricultural Services.

This information is for guidance only. Always follow directions from emergency officials during an actual event.

Click on Shelter-in-Place-Checklist for some handy tips.

 

Livestock Emergency Preparedness

If you own livestock, click on Livestock-Emergency-Preparedness for specific information.