Edmonton organizations help residents prepare for emergencies during preparedness week
Posted May 10, 2026 1:12 pm.
More than 50 organizations gathered in Edmonton this week to help residents learn how to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters as part of Canada’s Emergency Preparedness Week.
Information booths and resources were set up at the Edmonton Expo Centre, where families and individuals spoke with emergency responders and safety experts about how to respond during a crisis.
“41 per cent of Canadians don’t understand the risks that they have with respect to natural disasters,” said Eleanor Olszewski, minister of emergency management and community resilience.
Attendees shared mixed feelings about their own level of preparedness.
“Minor stuff, we can probably get by for a few days or so. But I’d probably say anything major, we’re probably not as prepared as we could be,” said Edmontonian Vanja Tomasevic.
Others said they have already started preparing at home.
“We have at home. We have an emergency bag,” said Edmonton resident Inna Mukakhel.
According to the federal government, only one in 10 Canadians has taken steps to protect their property from natural disasters. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services Deputy Chief Graeme McAlister said learning ahead of time can help reduce panic during an emergency.
“It helps take away some of that what was obviously going to be a scary situation, but it helps you in advance and gives you some advanced knowledge so you’re not struggling in an immediate situation of trying to figure out where to go, who to speak to, and what to bring with you,” McAlister said.
The event comes as wildfire season begins across Alberta, with several active wildfires already burning in the province.
Many attendees said they were surprised by the number of resources available in the city.
“Like coming here was a surprise. I had no idea that Edmonton had this much know at its disposal, I guess you could say. But yeah, it’s just pretty crazy,” Tomasevic said.
Others said the event gave them practical information and reassurance.
“Yes, I got a good list today. More or less. I’m quite amazed at how many officers and uniforms and people are around here today, and it’s nice to know that there are a lot of options for people to reach out,” said Edmontonian Fraser Porter.
“Very good to see what the city has to offer. And yeah, we got a bunch of information we can go through at home,” Mukakhel added.
