Emergency Preparedness: Crowsnest Pass

Be Prepared

Disasters can happen with little or no warning. If a disaster happened tomorrow, how long could you and your family survive without assistance?

During a disaster it may take emergency workers sometime to reach you. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours.

Learn how you and your family can prepare yourselves for an emergency or disaster at https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness.aspx

Be Prepared Program Web Directory

Get the Alberta Emergency Alert

What is the difference between the Alberta Emergency Alert app and the new wireless alert?

Only the most serious alerts will be sent out using the new wireless alerting system. Other alerts that provide information on developing emergencies or serious alerts from other areas will be delivered to you via the Alberta Emergency Alert app, social media and the Alberta Emergency Alert website. The wireless alert message will only contain basic information, and maps and more details will be available from the app and website.

Make an Emergency Plan

Disasters often cause confusion and distress. A household plan will help you cope with the stress of an emergency or disaster.

Consider that your family may not be together when an emergency occurs and discuss what you would do in different situations.

The Emergency Preparedness guide (PDF, 2.0 MB) has more information about how you can prepare and care for your family during an emergency.

Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/make-an-emergency-plan.aspx

Hazard Preparedness

What to do before, during, and after an emergency

We all have a role to play in emergency and disaster preparedness. By knowing your role, you can prepare for what is within your control. Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/what-to-do-before-during-and-after-an-emergency.aspx

Blizzards, freezing rain, ice storms, and extreme cold

Blizzards, ice storms, high winds and blowing snow can develop quickly and threaten life and property. Alberta also experiences extreme cold temperatures during the winter, when temperatures can reach as low as minus 40°C or colder. Temperatures this low are life-threatening and put people and animals at risk. Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/blizzards-freezing-rain-ice-storms-and-extreme-cold.aspx

Thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain, and hail

Thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain and hail can develop quickly and threaten life and property. Severe storms occur frequently across Alberta and can be unpredictable. Find more at https://www.alberta.ca/thunderstorms-lightning-heavy-rain-and-hail.aspx

Power and water outages

An outage is a short or long-term loss of water or electric power. It can affect a single property, a building or an entire community. Many of Alberta’s hazards, such as high winds, freezing rain and flooding, can damage power lines causing power outages. Water outages can be caused by extreme temperature fluctuations and pipe corrosion causing water main breaks, among other reasons. Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/power-and-water-outages.aspx

Wildfires

Wildfire season officially starts March 1 and runs until October 31 each year. Wildfires can affect communities in forested or grassland areas, including urban green spaces like ravines and parks. If a fire is near, protect yourself and loved ones by following directions from authorities and be prepared to evacuate. Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/wildfires.aspx

Resources for those affected by wildfires - compiled by Alberta Municipalities

Air Quality Information for Residents

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about current air quality, especially during periods of active outdoor work, or recreation.

The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass is included in the Lethbridge region on Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index. Real-time updates and regional air quality conditions can be viewed at the following link:

Alberta Air Quality Map

This resource is provided by the Government of Alberta and is updated regularly to help residents make informed decisions about outdoor activities.

Floods

Floods are a frequent hazard in Canada and have devastated many areas of Alberta. Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/floods.aspx

Road Closures & Emergency Travel

Highway closures can happen quickly during emergencies or winter storms. The Municipality supports road safety by helping manage local traffic and sharing updates as conditions change.

Winter Highway Closures

Highway 3 between Coleman and Sparwood is especially vulnerable to whiteout conditions during heavy snow and strong winds. When conditions become unsafe, the Minister of Transportation may order a closure.
Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue assists by staffing closure gates and controlling traffic.

What to Expect

Closure updates will be posted on the Municipal homepage and Crowsnest Pass Fire Rescue social media
Detours may not be available during full closures — delay travel if advised
Obey all closure signs and personnel instructions

Truck Staging Areas

If you're a commercial driver:

General trucks (no dangerous goods): Park along 20th Avenue in Blairmore (Lost Lemon Bridge to Tim Hortons) or 107 Street near the old hospital site
Dangerous goods carriers: Use the large lot west of Frank or stage at Burmis Scales

Stay Informed

511 Alberta – Highway Conditions
Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue Facebook Page
Municipal Homepage Alerts

Tornadoes and extreme winds

Extreme winds are common in Crowsnest Pass. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones at https://www.alberta.ca/tornadoes-and-extreme-winds.aspx

Build an Emergency Kit

Unexpected situations happen everyday. Having supplies is one thing you can do to help manage many situations. There are many ways you and your family can become more prepared. You can build emergency kits to help you 'grab and go'. You can make sure you have enough supplies at home in case you have to take shelter for an extended period. In either case, your goal will be to have enough supplies to keep you and your family safe, warm and comfortable.

For a list of items to include in your emergency kit, visit https://www.alberta.ca/build-an-emergency-kit.aspx.

Where to buy an emergency kit: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/by-kt-en.aspx

Pet Preparedness

Emergencies and disasters can occur at any time. Being prepared for an emergency, disaster or even unexpected situations can help to keep your pet safe and comfortable when it matters most. Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/pet-preparedness.aspx

Farm Animals and Livestock Preparedness

Emergencies and disasters such as barn fires, blizzards or floods are common risks in agricultural communities across Alberta. Being prepared will help you protect your farm animals, livestock and property so you can overcome unexpected situations as quickly as possible. Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/farm-animals-and-livestock-preparedness.aspx

Raise Awareness in your Community

The Get Prepared video series delivers simple steps that anyone can take to become better prepared for an emergency or disaster.

Getting prepared can seem like a large task to take on. It doesn’t happen over night, and breaking it down into simple steps can make it much easier. Take a minute today to learn about what you can do to become better prepared, and share the videos online and within your community.

Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/raise-awareness-in-your-community.aspx

Quick Links

Emergency Preparedness