Emergency Management

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Provincial Emergency Apps

Alberta Emergency Alert and Alberta Wildfire apps are tools that the Town of Whitecourt and Province will use to provide critical information to residents during an emergency. The apps are complementary, and will be used in conjunction with other community tools to inform and engage residents during emergencies.

Residents are encouraged to download the apps to their mobile devices in order to receive alerts. Both apps are free and can be found on the App Store or Google Play. By signing up to receive information directly, users will be better informed about potential risks to their health, safety, and community.

During an emergency, Whitecourt may issue evacuation messages through the Alberta Emergency Alert app.  In an emergency, the following may be issued:

• An Evacuation Alert a- means prepare to leave on short notice.
• An Evacuation Order - means you must evacuate now.

Whitecourt App

Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued to provide you with lifesaving instructions when there is a potentially life-threatening situation in your area.  Alerts can be issued for many hazards, including wildfires, floods, and tornadoes.  Emergency alerts include information about the location of an emergency and what action you need to take to protect yourself.  Alerts are sent out on TV, radio, websites, social media, the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app and to all connected and compatible smart phones in the impacted area.

This is a provincial alert tool that is used by the Provincial government and various municipalities to communicate about emergencies. 

The Alberta Emergency Alert is used by Whitecourt to alert residents and visitors on developing emergencies or serious incidents within the community. Additionally, information is shared on this website and Whitecourt's social media channels. 

Why download the app?

• Download and install the app and then sign-up for emergency alerts from every region in Alberta or for regions that you choose.
• If an alert is issued, a message will be sent to your phone.
• There are two categories of alerts: critical or information. Critical alerts are for imminent and life-threatening danger, such as floods, wildfires, tornadoes or Amber Alerts. Information alerts are for awareness and to encourage preparation for events such as severe storms, traffic disruption or air quality warnings.
• The Alberta Emergency Alert App allows you to decide the alert tone and the region(s) in Alberta you can receive alerts from.

Setting up the app

Whitecourt residents must download the mobile app to receive alerts through Alberta Emergency Alert in order to receive emergency notifications.

• Once the app has been downloaded and installed:
  • Ensure you setup emergency alerts for the Whitecourt area.
  • Ensure you turn-on Critical and Advisory alerts. If these are not turned on, you will not receive alerts from Whitecourt.

What’s the difference between a critical alert and an advisory alert?

• Critical alerts are for imminent and life-threatening danger, such as floods, wildfires, tornadoes or Amber Alerts.
• Advisory alerts are for less urgent information and to prepare the public for potential emergency events related to their property and/or the environment such as severe storms or water quality warnings.

Whitecourt will issue an evacuation message, such as an alert or order, when we have reason to believe you are in danger.  Instructions will depend on the threat.

All evacuation alerts and orders will be posted on the Alberta Emergency Alert app.  Be sure to download the app and have the settings set to receive messages from Whitecourt.

Evacuation Alert (means prepare to leave on short notice)

• Evacuation alerts help you prepare to leave on short notice.
• Follow directions of local authorities, be prepared to go quickly, and monitor this website, Whitecourt social media channels, and local radio stations for updates.  

Evacuation Order (means you MUST leave now)

• Evacuation orders are issued when you are in danger.
• Emergency situations can change rapidly and prompt an immediate evacuation order.
• Evacuate immediately if you are located inside an order's boundaries and directed to evacuate.
• Not leaving when an order is in place can put your life at risk and hinder emergency response efforts.
• Follow the specific instructions provided by your local authorities during an evacuation.
• Always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you.

When you are prepared to respond to an evacuation order, it gives you time to protect your home and reduces the stress of leaving. 

It is critical that the public be prepared for emergencies in order to handle the challenges that our community may face in the event of an emergency.

• Building an emergency kit doesn't have to be hard and doesn't have to be done all at once.

  • When you are grocery shopping, add some non-perishable food items to your cart.
  • When tidying up at home, store extra items with your emergency supplies.
  • Make sure your emergency kit is easy to access and kept in a place that everyone in your household knows about. 

  For ideas on what to put in your kit visit www.alberta.ca/GetSupplies.

• Have an emergency plan;
  • Make a list of emergency contacts, including phone numbers for family members, friends and emergency services.
  • Share this list with everyone in your household and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
  • Ask about emergency plans at your loved ones' facilities (care homes, schools) and how they will keep them safe during an emergency.

You can start building your plan by visiting Get Prepared to access a digital personal emergency planning tool.

• In the event of an emergency, residents should visit this website or follow the Town's Facebook page.  Also, plan to listen to local radio stations for updates and information during an emergency.

For more information on how you can prepare visit:

• www.aema.alberta.ca
• www.getprepared.gc.ca

Every family should have an emergency kit that includes water, food, blankets, medications, a radio, and any other specific family needs.  Some things to consider:

• Three-day supply of water (4 L per person per day)
• Non-perishable food for all family members and pets (three-day supply)
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• An extra set of car keys, credit cards, and cash
• Sanitation supplies
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Important family documents and contact numbers
• Prescriptions or special medications
• Chargers for electronic communication devices
• Insurance documents
• Emergency phone numbers list
• A change of clothes for each family member 

For ideas on what to put in your kit visit www.alberta.ca/GetSupplies.

Helping you prepare for an emergency

Register now

Pre-register all members of your family before an emergency that may affect your household (ex. wildfire, flood).

Why pre-register?

Pre-registering will:

• streamline processing of evacuees and reduce your waiting time at the emergency reception centre,
• help our team anticipate your needs (i.e. accommodations, social services),
• help you access funding (if available) for the emergency.

How do I register?

You must have a personal email and MyAlberta Account.

• Using your MyAlberta Account, log in at www.emergencyregistration.alberta.ca and you will be asked a variety of emergency related questions, such as an emergency contact name, the number of animals at the household, what health assistance or supports you may need, etc.
• If you do not have a MyAlberta Account, you can create one.  https://account.alberta.ca/signup