The 2024 wildfire season in Alberta has brought significant challenges and hardships to the province. Due to warmer-than-usual temperatures and below-average precipitation, the season started earlier than usual, highlighting the critical importance of proactive measures and coordinated efforts in wildfire management. As these fires continue to impact communities, it is essential to stay informed and prepared.
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Resources for Affected Individuals and Communities:
- Health Services: Alberta Health Services provides essential health advisories and contact information for non-emergency health advice, mental health support, and addiction helplines​ (Alberta Health Services)​.
- Emergency Support Payments: Residents under mandatory evacuation orders can apply for one-time evacuation payments to assist with immediate needs like accommodations and food​ (Government of Alberta)​.
- Business and Financial Assistance: The Alberta Chambers of Commerce offers resources for business continuity, tax relief options, and guidelines for accessing Employment Insurance benefits during these challenging times​ (Alberta Chambers of Commerce)​.
- Information for Evacuees: See information on reception centres, identify yourself, and see news and announcements if you have been evacuated (Government of Alberta).
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Community and Mental Health Support:
- Mental Health Helplines: Access mental health support through dedicated helplines and community resources provided by AHS​ (Alberta Health Services)​.
- Mental Health Support: Support for Albertans Affected by Wildfire (Alberta Health Services)
- Public Information: Stay updated on wildfire statuses, emergency alerts, and health advisories through official Alberta government channels and AHS websites​ (Alberta Health Services)​​ (Alberta Chambers of Commerce)​ (Alberta Wildfire).
- Responding: Helping Your Child or Teen Respond to a Disaster or Emergency (Alberta Health Services).
- Recovery: Guide to Wildfire Recovery - Parents and Caregivers (Canadian Red Cross), Helping you Recover and Stay Well After a Disaster or Emergency (Alberta Health Services)
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Preparedness and Safety:
- Emergency Planning: Prepare emergency kits and make evacuation plans to ensure safety during wildfires. Utilize resources like the Alberta Wildfire App and emergency alert systems to stay informed​ (Alberta Health Services)​.
- Stay informed: Find the status and location of wildfires, fire restrictions and bans, and learn more about wildfire prevention (Alberta Wildfire)
- Protecting Little Lungs
- Alberta Capital Airshed has completed a webinar on understanding the health impacts of ambient air pollution and wildfire smoke on children, and why children are more vulnerable to poor air quality compared to adults. See the webinar and additional resources HERE.
AECEA is not able to answer questions regarding wildfire supports, please contact the organizations listed above for support. Report a wildfire by calling 310-FIRE (3473).