Mayors Message – July 2013

While Chestermere wasn’t directly impacted by the flooding disaster that hit so many of our neighbours we did feel some of the panic and uncertainty here in Town concerning the Lake and drinking water. It got me thinking that I should go over the details of what would happen if a disaster ever hit our Town.
Firstly we do have a very well trained group of people who make up our Chestermere Emergency Management Agency (CHEMA). In the event of a disaster they would be brought together to co-ordinate all aspects of emergency services, social services and communications. They do practise with mock exercises twice a year and regularly update their skills. This is also the team that co-ordinates with groups like the Red Cross to provide disaster relief or with community groups for donations or volunteering needs.
Secondly, CHEMA and Council work closely together during a disaster to make sure residents are fully informed of events as they happen. Should there ever be a disaster in Chestermere you would be notified through any of the following methods; our website at www.chestermere.ca, Facebook at www.facebook.com/TownofChestermere, Twitter @TownChestermere, Alberta Emergency Alerts, via E-mail if you have signed up for RSS feeds on our website, Press Releases with the Anchor and surrounding news agencies as well as road signs if feasible. If a disaster was expected each neighbourhood would have evacuation messages broadcast by emergency personnel through a loud speaker or bull horn. If necessary and time permitted, door to door alerts would be done. There is no emergency horn in Chestermere or emergency broadcast speaker.
Lastly, if we ever faced a disaster in our own community we would ask you to either shelter in place or evacuate to a safe place in the Town. Our evacuation centre is primarily the Recreation Centre and if that is in danger then Camp Chestermere. Even if you have another place to go please register with the evacuation centre, called a reception centre, so that loved ones contacting the Red Cross or accessing the emergency call in lines know that you’re safe.
The very best thing you can do for your family and the community is to have a 72 hour emergency kit in place in your home. The flooding has taught us that there isn’t always time to consider grabbing pictures or precious possessions before leaving for safety. It’s also taught us that water is the first thing that gets purchased when people are nervous about their safety!
We have been planning for different types of disasters in Chestermere since 2007 but we truly hope to never be in a situation that requires our training to be tested.