This page will be continually updated. Please regularly visit it for new information.
Active Alert #1
I had to evacuate my home. When can I go back?
Has power been restored to the previous evacuation area?
What do I do if I come across a downed power line?
Always consider a downed power line to be energized and remain at least 7-metres away. Do not touch or attempt to move the line yourself.
If you find a downed line or damaged power pole that looks unstable, please immediately contact 310-WIRE to report the location.
An evacuation alert is an advanced warning to allow people to prepare to be evacuated and can be up to several days in advance of an evacuation order. An evacuation alert does not necessarily get escalated to an evacuation order in every instance. An evacuation order is issued when emergency services has determined it is necessary to move people out of a dangerous area.
Updates will be posted on this website and on the County's social media channels. Alerts will also be sent out on the Alberta Emergency Alert app and website. Evacuation orders will be issued door-to-door by emergency services in impacted areas.
How much time is typically given in an evacuation notice?
Residents will be given as much notice as possible in the event of an emergency, depending on the situation. However, because fire behaviour can change quickly, it is important for residents to be prepared to evacuate on short notice. Once an evacuation notice is issued, residents will have up to one hour to leave.
Do you have to leave if you receive an evacuation order?
It is highly recommended you leave your home when an evacuation order is received. Emergency services will not send response personnel back into an area that individuals refused to evacuate until it is safe to return.
If your area is evacuated, where do you go?
In the event of an evacuation, Thorhild County will set up a reception centre and communicate the location to all evacuees. Reception centres will take evacuation registration information to ensure supports can be accessed.
What do you do if you're evacuated?
In the event of an evacuation order, residents are encouraged to consider the following:
If your area is being evacuated and you're not home, can you go home to collect belongings?
No, residents and the public are not permitted into affected evacuation areas during an evacuation order.
This also applies if you want to go home to retrieve pets.
Will you be able to take your pet to the reception centre with you?
Residents are urged to make alternative arrangements for pets, as the Reception Centre is not equipped to accommodate them.
Will your home insurance cover accommodation and food charges if you're evacuated?
Insurance coverage varies dependent on your individual policy. Check with your provider to review your coverage and additional information on what supports you are covered for during an evacuation.
As good family emergency planning, it is recommended to speak with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and ensure there are no surprises during an emergency.
How do you protect your home if you've been evacuated?
If an area is evacuated, the area will be secured, and residents/visitors will not be allowed access to the evacuated area. Homeowners should lock up before evacuating.
How long will an evacuation last?
The length of an evacuation will depend on the nature of the emergency. In the event of an evacuation, no one will be allowed to return to their homes until it is safe to do so.
How to find out when you can go home.
In the event of an evacuation, if you register with the Reception Centre, emergency response staff will contact you. All updated emergency status information will be shared on the Thorhild County website and on Thorhild County social media channels.
We appreciate the offers of support; however, we currently do not need volunteers or assistance from outside agencies, and we are not accepting donations at the Reception Centre. If you are a resident interested in volunteering for this emergency response, please complete the form below. Your contact information will be saved for future reference in case additional volunteers are needed.
For vendors interested in offering equipment, we would like to inform you that we currently do not require support. However, we are gathering additional vendor information in case extra support is needed in the future. We kindly ask that you contact our office at 780-398-3741 and be prepared to provide the following details:
1. Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) and COR/SECOR certification information. 2. Confirmation that your rates are aligned with the Alberta Road Builder Rates. 3. Details of your rates and service charges. 4. A list of the equipment you have available for support.
Thank you for your interest.
Provide some simple content here. In the case of an FAQ, provide the answer.