Emergency Preparedness

Parkland County's Emergency Management helps residents prepare for all types of emergencies. Using an all‑hazards approach, we work to ensure the public understands local risks and knows how to be ready for them. For community outreach inquiries, email emergencypreparedness@parklandcounty.com.

Know the Risks in Parkland County

You can experience a wide range of emergencies in Parkland County. Some of the most common include:

Wildfires
Train derailments
Severe weather
Flooding
Extreme heat/cold
Security threats
Hazardous material transportation accidents

Be Ready to Evacuate

What to Bring in an Emergency Kit

Medications
Important documents (ID, passport, insurance)
Cash
First aid kit
Water and food
Clothing
Personal hygiene and sanitation items
Important comfort and personal items

Emergency Management Fact Sheet

Have an Emergency Plan

Making decisions in an emergency can be overwhelming in an already stressful situation. That’s why it is important to have a plan in place, in the event you need leave in a hurry. A household emergency plan can ensure you and your loved ones are prepared and comfortable while away from home.

Download the template to create a plan so you can be prepared rather than scared in an emergency.

Household Emergency Plan - Fillable Template

Emergency Preparedness for Pets and Livestock

Pets and livestock are an important part of life in Parkland County. In an emergency, animal owners may need to make special arrangements to keep both themselves and their animals safe. Planning ahead ensures you can relocate your animals or shelter them in place when required.

Evacuation Planning for Livestock

Here are a few important tips for livestock owners relocating animals in the event of an emergency evacuation:

Practice safe relocation methods including loading and transporting your animals.
Create an emergency contact list. Include neighbors, animal handlers/transporters, veterinarians, and feed suppliers.
Set a meeting place, make sure everyone knows the locations, and ensure that there is feed, water, and shelter.
Ensure animals are marked with a visual identifier in case they get loose.

Evacuation Planning for Pets

For those evacuating with pets, here are some considerations:

Create an emergency contact list that includes pet-friendly hotels, kennels, shelters, friends and family.
Be sure to have your pet transportation method readily available (kennels, crates, etc.).
Bring comfort items that might keep your pet calm (toys, treats, blankets, etc.).
Enough Pet food and medications for 72 hours. Grab a cooler if medication needs to be refrigerated.
Consider if your pet is friendly around other animals.

Shelter-in-Place Planning for Livestock

When an emergency evacuation happens, it’s not always possible to evacuate livestock. If the decision is made to not move the animals, property owners should prepare for ‘Sheltering their Livestock in Place’ prior to evacuation.

This planning should include:

A scan of the property to identify potential shelter locations if moving animals inside (this should include a 72hr supply of food and water).
In the event of a wildfire, potential shelters should be appropriately FireSmart and all dry fuels cleaned and removed in advance.
If you allow livestock to roam outside on the property, ensure planned gates are opened, and they have ample access to food and water.
Ensure animals are marked with a visual identifier in case they get loose.
Inform staff from the Emergency reception center or staging area that you have left your animals on the property, they will coordinate safe times for property owners to check on livestock.
You can also register livestock left behind with the Government of Alberta's Animal Premises Identification Program

Know the Risks in Parkland County

Be Ready to Evacuate

What to Bring in an Emergency Kit

Have an Emergency Plan

Emergency Preparedness for Pets and Livestock

Additional Resources