RED DEER — The agriculture sector needs to be prepared for any contingency because regional resources are being spread thinner, said the head of emergency management for Rockyview County.
“In a disaster situation, if 50 farms are affected, 72 hours is optimistic that help will come to you,” Randy Smith said.
Therefore, neighbours must often help each other.
An urban evacuation is relatively easy, but in a rural area local emergency people often don’t know what is happening on a farm, he said at the annual meeting of the Alberta Agricultural Economists Association, which was held in Red Deer April 27-28.
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Local rural municipalities may lack good emergency plans.
“In my business, a lot of people have a plan but they don’t practice it,” he said.
People are advised to protect themselves and their families first, but plans are needed to figure out how to move livestock and how they will be cared for if a wildfire, flood or other disaster strikes.
They need to think about what happens if utilities are lost and make sure backup generators are available.
People are often asked what they would bring if they had five minutes to leave.
Smith suggested:
- computer, pictures
- medications, prescriptions and eyeglasses
- keys, wallets, cash, passports and valid identification
- clothing and blankets
- extra charger for a cellphone
For complete lists and advice on emergency planning, visit www.albertaemergencyalert.ca.
