Prepare yourself and protect your family by taking the new emergency preparedness eLearning course

Are you prepared for an emergency in your home, workplace or community?

This week we launched our brand new eLearning course to empower you with the essentials of emergency preparedness. The course is part of Ready Calgary, a community preparedness program developed by the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) for the citizens of Calgary. The program is designed to inform, educate and build resiliency to the impacts of emergencies.
The eLearning course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and can be paused as needed. 

In order to participate, you will need a City of Calgary myID account. If you don’t already have an account, you can set one up in 2 simple steps:

1. Visit the myID registration page and follow the online instructions to sign up.
   NOTE: Once you have registered, a temporary password will be emailed to you. 
2. Sign in to myID with your temporary password then at the prompt, change your password.

Your account is now active and you can access the Ready Calgary course.

Once you complete the eLearning course, you will receive an official certificate of completion. You will also see a short survey requesting your feedback.


Certain emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. You can help to reduce the impacts of disasters and emergencies by taking simple actions to prepare and knowing how to respond when an emergency occurs. To learn more about emergency preparedness in your home and community, check out calgary.ca/getready.

City services respond to the needs of vulnerable Calgarians during cold weather

As Calgary continues to experience a deep freeze, we are working with partner agencies in Alberta Health Services and across Calgary to make sure our more vulnerable citizens have options to stay safe.

Thankfully, the Government of Alberta has informed us that shelter beds are available in Calgary for those who would like to come in from the cold at night. As well, the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) has an emergency plan in place if shelters become overwhelmed. They also work with shelter and other agency partners to help ensure the needs of the homeless are met during the cold months.

Our Community Standards Partner Agency Liaison (PAL) Team has been busy this week, along with the Calgary Police Service and the Downtown Outreach Addictions Program (DOAP) , visiting locations where homeless Calgarians have been known to sleep. These teams check up on people who may need help during the cold weather and to pass out items such as warm socks and other clothing items, and bagged lunches provided by The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe).

This is a time of year when we all need to watch out for one another. If citizens see a person in distress or who is unresponsive, they should call 9-1-1 immediately. If you see a person who needs help, call 311. Here are a few tips for anyone trying to help out a homeless person, or person who is struggling in this frigid climate:

• The person you are helping may have special needs such as a mobility or emotional wellness issue, so be sure to take this into consideration before acting.
• Always keep the person informed of what you are doing and ask for their agreement before taking any action.
• If the person does not agree to the help you are offering, call 311 or 911, depending on the urgency of the situation, to ask for help and guidance. 

City of Calgary preparedness tips for severe weather

With the recent run of severe thunderstorms and tornado watches we’ve experienced, now is a good time for all Calgarians to ask ourselves an important question: “What should I do when severe weather hits?”

The key to staying safe during severe weather events comes down to personal preparedness and knowing what to do when the weather hits.

Prepare

• Build a 72-hour kit. In the event of an emergency, responders may be busy assisting those in immediate danger. The 72-hour kit holds supplies to support you and your family for three days in an emergency situation.
• Clear out your eaves troughs and downspouts on your home to allow for the free flow of water, and ensure downspouts are directed away from your home

When the storm hits

• Take cover or stay indoors. This should be a place without windows or glass doors. If a sturdy building is not nearby, get into a hard-topped metal vehicle and close the windows. Stay inside until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
• Stay off the roads to prevent getting caught in fast moving or pooling water.
• Do not drive through flooded roadways or underpasses.
• Do not try to clear flooded catch basins yourself.
• Stay away from manhole covers, drains and flooded areas.
• Stay away from downed power lines.

Watch the video below for thunderstorm preparedness tips and advice.



For more information on how you can prepare for severe weather in Calgary, visit the Calgary Emergency Management Agency at calgary.ca/CEMA.

Flood Readiness & River Safety: Understand. Prepare. Stay Informed. Stay Safe.

With May long weekend known as Calgary's unofficial start to recreational water season and the risk of river flooding greatest between May 15 - July 15, we'd like to update Calgarians on flood readiness and also remind everyone of river dangers.



Understand
The City monitors river forecasts, soil moisture, rainfall and snow melt rates in the mountains. Current data shows mountain snowpack is at the low end of a normal range. Our 90 day precipitation is drier than average, but not rare. We could expect more precipitation between May and July due to El Nino.

New flood inundation maps and river flow triggers are available to help Calgarians understand their personal and business flood risks.

Prepare
The City is better prepared to manage and minimize the impacts of a future flood. We’ve developed a comprehensive plan that incorporates the recommendations of our Expert Management Panel, trained more people, stock piled materials, repaired eroded river banks, built temporary barriers and created new inundation maps.

Calgarians also play an important role in flood readiness and safety. Stay prepared, alert and at the ready by having an emergency plan and 72 hour kit.

Stay Informed
The City has tools and resources available to help Calgarians know their flood risk. Visit calgary.ca/floodinfo for the latest information including flood advisories. You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter and download the Alberta Rivers: Data and Advisories mobile app.

Stay Safe
The City’s Partners in Water Safety want to remind all Calgarians where there’s water, there’s risk. Before hopping on boat or river raft:

• SCOUT the river for potential hazards,
• ASSESS the level of danger and,
• DECIDE if it’s safe to proceed.

Don’t miss Disaster Alley tomorrow

This Saturday you are invited to the sixth annual Disaster Alley hosted by The City of Calgary! This fun, free family event, organized by Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), showcases first and other responders and gives you the opportunity to learn about how to be better prepared to withstand an emergency or disaster.

The day starts off at 10 a.m. with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Stampede Community Development Committee. Once your tummy is full it’s time to feed your curiosity with Disaster Alley opening its doors at 11 a.m. and running until 3 p.m. Both events are taking place in the east parking lot of McMahon Stadium (1817 Crowchild Tr. N.W.)

Who is going to be there?

For the past five years, Disaster Alley has become a family favourite, with exhibitors such as Alberta Health Services, ATCOGas, the Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Service, 9-1-1, and ENMAX.

Returning this year is STARS and HAWCS – you see them in the sky and Disaster Alley is a chance to get up close with both helicopters on the grounds (weather permitting).

Gibbs, one of two accelerant detection dogs working for the Calgary Fire Department, will be making the rounds and is always a hit with the kids. You can also meet our very own disaster response team Canada Task Force 2 (CANTF2) – one of only four such teams in the country.

New exhibitors this year include Corporate Security, EMS Foundation, and North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH).

Parks will also be on hand to talk about how to care for your trees after the September 2014 snowstorm. You can also pick up free mulch at Disaster Alley!

Why come out to Disaster Alley?

Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and guests will learn what simple, easy steps they can do to be better prepared themselves. This includes knowing the risks, making a plan, and stocking a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit.

Disaster Alley also helps close out Emergency Preparedness Week, an annual event coordinated by Public Safety Canada to build a culture of preparedness across Canada.

To learn more about being prepared or about Emergency Preparedness week visit calgary.ca/cema or getprepared.gc.ca. Join our event on Facebook to see who else is attending.

Submitted by Cara Katterhagen, CEMA

May 3-9 is Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada

If an emergency or disaster happened today do you know what you would do to stay safe?

Emergency Preparedness Week is dedicated to helping share information on how to take care of yourself and your families for the first 72 hours of a disaster if you are not in distress. This allows first responders to assist those who need it most.

There are three easy steps to get prepared:

1. Know the risks. In Calgary, we are subject to many kinds of emergencies and disasters. Disasters can be weather-related (flooding, hail, lightning, etc.), utility outages, hazardous materials release, civil unrest or pandemics. Listen to local media; follow authorities on social media, and sign up for the Alberta Emergency Alert app. 
2. Make a plan. In the age of speed dial, many people don’t memorize important phone numbers. If you couldn’t access important numbers, how would you get in touch with your family? Discuss with your family how you will contact each other if disaster strikes when you are not together. Know what your children’s schools’ emergency plans are. Know your emergency plan at work. 
3. Get a kit. Be prepared to take care of your family for 72 hours. Build a kit with enough supplies (food, water, first aid kit, radio, flashlight, etc.) to last at least 72 hours. Have your kit in a convenient place and keep it ready to go if you are asked to evacuate. You may be asked to stay in your home, but you may be without power or heat. 

More information on personal preparedness is available from The City of Calgary’s Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA).

Disaster Alley – May 9, 2015

You can get more preparedness information at Disaster Alley, Calgary’s largest preparedness event, hosted by CEMA. Join our Facebook event for updates and information.

Join first and other responders at McMahon Stadium on Saturday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fun, FREE family event features over 30 exhibitors like the Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Service, Alberta Health Services, ATCOGas, ENMAX, and many more.

New this year is a free Stampede breakfast to kick off Disaster Alley from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The Stampede Breakfast and Disaster Alley take place in the McMahon Stadium east parking lot.

To learn more about being prepared or about Emergency Preparedness week visit calgary.ca/cema or getprepared.gc.ca.

Submitted by Cara Katterhagen, Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA)

Small business continuity plays a part in Calgary’s resiliency

Did you know The City of Calgary, in conjunction with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, has developed a business continuity handbook to help guide small business through their planning? Small businesses (those with 50 employees or less) are encouraged to download the materials and help increase their resiliency, which helps increase the resiliency of Calgary as a whole.

Small businesses are an important part of our Calgary community. They employ twice as many people in Calgary than large businesses, and account for almost 40 per cent of Calgary’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

What is business continuity?

Business continuity is about understanding the risks your business could face, and developing strategies and plans to ensure continued operations during and after a disruption. In the past two years, almost 64 per cent of businesses have reported an interruption, which impacts business operations, employees and citizens.

Proper planning will allow you to analyze and understand which products and services are critical to your business operations and will introduce you to the risks and hazards to which your business may be vulnerable.

The handbook and additional worksheets, including templates, are available on calgary.ca/cema.

Emergency Business Contact database

Created by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Emergency Business Contact Database helps facilitate the communication and collaboration between the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) and the business community. During an emergency or disaster that could impact your business it is important to get timely information regarding business continuity and about the emergency or disaster as it is known.

Small businesses can register on the Emergency Business Contact database.

Business Continuity Week

Business Continuity Week runs from March 16 to 20, 2015, and is the perfect time for businesses to assess their own plans. Visit Calgary.ca/cema or calgarychamber.ca for more information.

Accessibility annual awards presented this week

Many Calgarians work in various ways help make life better for persons with disabilities. Every year around the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, City Council presents awards on behalf of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility. These awards recognize individuals or groups who have made an important contribution to improving the lives of Calgarians with disabilities.

Recipients with Mayor Nenshi receive their ACA awards
on behalf of their teams. L-R: Ken Uzeloc, Calgary Fire Dept;
Norma Jean Hogg, Westside Rec Centre; Mayor Naheed
Nenshi; Karim Rayani, Access Calgary; and Tom Sampson,
Calgary Fire Dept.

This year, that awards ceremony was held on Monday, Dec. 8 at Council. Three awards were presented: an Advocacy Award, an Access Recognition Award and the Ella Anderson Accessible Transportation Award.

These three awards acknowledge only a small fraction of the total effort contributed by Calgarians to the well-being of Calgarians with disabilities.

The Access Recognition Award
This year the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) took home the award for their work in quickly crafting an emergency plan, helping to evacuate and find affordable and accessible accommodation for individuals with disabilities during the October power outage.

The Advocacy Award 
Darrin Horsman was recognized for his work as a personal training coordinator for the fitness centre at Westside Recreation Centre. Darrin supports people with disabilities in their fitness programs to improve their physical health and well-being.

The Ella Anderson Accessible Transportation Award 
This award was created in memory of Ella Anderson who was a valued City employee with a deep commitment to persons with disabilities. She served on the Advisory Committee on Accessibility. Sadly Ella passed away in 2012.

This year the award went to Calgary Transit’s Travel Training program, operated by Access Calgary. This program provides training for individuals with disabilities, seniors and citizens who require assistance to learn how to use Calgary Transit fixed route buses and CTrain services.

More information about the Advisory Committee on Accessibility.

Submitted by Peter Jacoby, Community and Neighbourhood Services

Downtown residential buildings and businesses return to normal operations

Downtown residential buildings and businesses are returning to normal operations today, as ENMAX successfully restored power to the downtown core at 5 a.m. this morning.

The area has been dealing with power outages since Oct. 11, when an underground fire located at 8 Street and 5 Avenue SW resulted in power loss to about 1,900 metered customers in 112 residential and commercial buildings.

“What started as a fire in a manhole became a major utility upgrade, major road closures and an effort to ensure the public safety and housing for approximately 5,000 residents,” said Ken Uzeloc, CEMA Director. 

“The past five days, my colleagues at The City of Calgary and our partner agencies have worked night and day to ensure that Calgarians could get around our city and have access to support services they needed until their power was restored.”

Information for returning residents and businesses

• Re-entry checklists for returning residents, building owners/managers and commercial businesses are available on Calgary.ca.
• For information on troubleshooting your telephone, cable TV or Internet service contact Shaw.
• Citizens who require any additional social assistance support should contact 2-1-1.
• Spoiled food items that are securely bagged to prevent leaks can be discarded in your facility’s usual garbage collection bin. If that bin is full, contact your property manager for bin removal or emptying. City of Calgary collection schedules are not affected, and regular pickup will occur according to your normal schedule. Should you have questions regarding private garbage collection service, please contact your property manager.
• Citizens or business owners/operators with concerns about their building should contact their building operator.
• Now that power has been restored, the Information Centre at Mewata Armoury will be closed at 9 p.m. this evening.

The City would also like to thank citizens and businesses who offered lodging, food, supplies to those residents displaced in the outage.

As a reminder, power outages can happen at any time. The City encourages residents to develop their own 72 hour emergency kit for such instances. A list of what should be included in a 72 Hour Emergency Kit is available at Calgary.ca/cema.

City is prepared to accommodate displaced Calgarians

The City of Calgary is prepared to respond to any emergency situation and the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) assists in coordinating our response to large incidents where many internal and external service providers are engaged.

While our top priority during any response is public safety, we're also focused on ensuring that citizens who have been displaced from their homes during an event have safe, alternative accommodations.

Following the utility fire which affected parts of the downtown core, The Calgary Hotel Association, working with hoteliers, helped CEMA coordinate alternative accommodation for those with no other option. To date, approximately 250 rooms have been made available to those who were displaced.

As this temporary lodging is limited and affected by a variety of factors, CEMA, along with various partner agencies including The Canadian Red Cross and The Calgary Stampede, have established a group lodging facility at the Big 4 Building at Stampede Park.

Impacted residents who require more information regarding the support services available are asked to visit an Information Centre at Mewata Armoury (801 11 St. S.W.). This centre is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

ENMAX crews continue to work around the clock and remain on schedule, with a full restoration of power to the affected area expected on Thursday.

Please visit Calgary.ca for the latest information on the downtown power outages.

Ongoing power outages in the downtown core

UPDATE: 2:00 A.M. - Oct. 13, 2014

The City of Calgary continues to work with ENMAX to assist citizens impacted by the underground utility fire that caused a power outage in the downtown core.

Due to the power outage, there may be loss of pressure to high floor units which may result in low pressure, or no water supply.

Please note, that even if your water pressure is low, your water is safe to be used.

For residents or businesses that are in need of water, “water wagons” have been deployed to the following locations:

·         1121 6 Avenue SW

·         1088 6 Avenue SW

·         912 6 Avenue SW

·         731 6 Avenue SW

·         618 5 Avenue SW

Map of "water wagon" locations in downtown Calgary.

These water wagons will be monitored and refilled as required for the duration of the power outage.

UPDATE: 8:00 P.M. - Oct. 12, 2014

Map of impacted area including road closures and Information Centre location.

The City of Calgary continues to work with ENMAX and other partner agencies to assist citizens impacted by an underground utility fire that caused a power outage in the downtown core. Please visit Calgary.ca for additional updates regarding this incident and support services available to impacted Calgarians.

Power:

• There are currently power outages between 5 Street SW and 11 Street SW and 4 Avenue SW and 7 Avenue SW. As a result, approximately 1,900 metered customers in 112 residential and commercial buildings are without power. The system will be shut down until power can be safely restored. If you currently have power, you are not at risk of losing service.
• At this time, ENMAX has indicated that power will likely be restored sometime between Wednesday evening and Saturday.

Info for residents impacted by power outages

• If you are without power and are planning on leaving your residence please do so during daylight hours.
• Please be sure to unplug all appliances to avoid a power surge when power is restored.
• If you are leaving your home clean out your fridge and freezer before leaving.
• Please remember the power outage has impacted ventilation systems. Do not run your car in underground parkades.
• Do not under any circumstances use alternative heating or cooking devices. This includes candles, propane lights, camping lights and stoves or barbeques. For alternative lighting, use battery-powered lights or flashlights.
• Never use a portable generator indoors.
• Shaw has provided an open Wi-Fi network throughout Calgary for those who are using devices to stay connected. Look for the "Shaw Guest" network on your Wi-Fi enabled device. No password is required.
• Impacted residents can also head to any Telus retail store to charge their devices.

Road Closures:

Most of the impacted area has been reopened to  traffic the only remaining road closures include:

• 5 Avenue S.W. between 7 Street S.W. and 9 Street S.W. 
• 8 Street S.W. between 4 Avenue S.W. and 6 Avenue S.W.

Transit:

• Calgary Transit service is now running normally. Check CalgaryTransit.com for the most up-to-date route information.

Water:

• Water quality remains high and Calgarians in the affected area can continue to use water if it is available.
• Due to the power outage, there may be loss of pressure to high floor units which may result in no water supply.  
• Residents may see in buildings that have lost pressure or are experiencing low pressure include no water from taps and toilets will not flush.  This is a normal occurrence when pressure is lost or low, and residents are asked to be patient as crews work to restore power and water pressure to the building. Residents are asked to advise their building manager should this occur.  The City is working with Building Owners and Managers Association to monitor and communicate with affected residents. Please note, even if your water pressure is low, your water is safe to be used.
• The City is preparing to provide emergency potable water wagons for affected residents and businesses as required.

Waste:

• Waste bins will be available at Mewata Armoury for food disposal. If you are without power and looking to get rid of items in your fridge, you can dispose of them at the Information Centre.

Where to stay & Information Centre:

• An Information Centre is set up at Mewata Armoury at 801 11 St. SW for residents to go and get information regarding the incident and support services. The Centre will be open for 24 hours.
• Please bring identification and a piece of mail or some document to show your home address is in the impacted area. Bring the name of your insurance provider and policy information if available, as well as the name of your building manager or organization if possible.
• Impacted residents will be able to convene, get information and charge electronic devices. There will be food trucks, hand washing stations, and an assessment can be done on any accommodation challenges. 
• The centre will also have Animal Services available to take your pets to The City’s Animal Shelter for temporary accommodation. Domestic animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits and birds in cages can all be accommodated. For exotic pets (must be in cages) such as snakes, spiders, etc., arrangements can be made by calling Calgary North Veterinary Hospital at 403-277-0135.
• If your power is out and you have friends or family that you can stay with, please reach out to secure accommodations for yourself while power is being restored. You can also contact your insurance company to see if accommodations are covered under your individual policy.
• Please note NO food donations are required at this time.

 

Staying safe during ongoing power outages in the downtown core

The Enmax power outage involving areas of downtown is expected to continue for a number of days.

Safety of citizens remains the number one concern. Residents without power, telephone or water should consider the following:

• If you do not have access to a phone in the event of an emergency, you should consider evacuating.
• If you are planning to evacuate, it is safest to do so during daylight hours. But if you feel unsafe, do not wait.
• If you feel unsafe in any way as a result of the power outage, you should consider evacuation. Look to family and friends for assistance and accommodation or contact your insurance.company or building manager for alternate arrangements. If you need additional assistance, our Information centre at Mewata Armouries (801 11 St. S.W.) is open 24 hours.
• Please check on the welfare of your neighbours.
• Do not under any circumstances use alternative heating or cooking devices. This includes candles, propane lights, camping lights and stoves or barbeques. For alternative lighting, use battery-powered lights or flashlights.
• Never use a portable generator indoors.
• Do not allow vehicles to idle in underground parkades, as ventilation systems will likely be inoperable, putting you at risk.

Underground fire in downtown core

Saturday evening there was an underground fire in the downtown core which resulted in a power outage. The Emergency Operation Centre has been opened and The Calgary Emergency Management Agency is working with ENMAX and partners to assess the impact to affected residents and businesses.

Power currently remains out for 1,900 ENMAX customers and 12 intersections. Affected ENMAX customers are expected to experience outages for approximately four to seven days.

Damage to fiberoptic cables running through the affected area could lead to internet, phone and cable disruptions. If your landline is out of service and you require emergency assistance, use a mobile phone, or visit a nearby business or trusted neighbour.

Information for citizens affected by power outages
If you or someone you know is experiencing a power outage, please consider some of the following:

• For emergency or life threatening situations - call 911
• For non urgent health advice call Health Link Alberta at 1 866 408 5465.
• Turn off or disconnect any appliances or electronic equipment you were using at the time of the outage - especially your stove or other cooking appliances.
• Keep one light switched on so you know when the power comes back on.
• Think safety! Do not use any gas or charcoal BBQs or devices as they can cause an increase of Carbon Monoxide gas which can result in serious and life threatening illness.
• The indoor use of candles should be avoided. Battery operated lights provide a better and safer light source.
• Generators should not be used indoors. Converse heat by keeping windows and doors closed, and paying special attention to young children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions.
• Use of a battery-powered or hand-crank radio can keep you informed of important updates.
• Keep your freezer and refrigerator doors closed to keep food cold for many hours. Most food will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Dairy products should be discarded after six hours. Items in the freezer will last 12 to 48 hours, depending on how full the freezer is and what kinds of food are stored inside.

Emergency Operations Centre closure and update on tree debris clean-up

Below is raw video from the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC). Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Acting Director of Calgary Emergency Management Agency, Tom Sampson announce the closure of the EOC. Director of Parks, Anne Charlton then discusses how The City will lead tree debris clean-up moving forward.

Tree debris collection and disposal options

There are many options available to Calgarians for tree debris collection and disposal:

1) It is recommended that citizens visit a City landfill as landfill operations are best equipped to deal with all sizes of tree debris. All three City Landfills will accept tree debris from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Garbage and recyclables will only be accepted up to 5 p.m. Tipping fees continue to be waived for all tree debris that is not mixed with other garbage. Landfills are not experiencing line-ups at this time.

2) Citizens can access all 33 of The City’s leaf & pumpkin drop-off locations to dispose of tree debris. Please ensure that you dispose of manageably-sized tree branches to ensure your safety and the safety of those picking the loads up from the depots. Depots are accessible 24hrs a day however; a City staff member is on-hand at most depots during regular working hours (between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.) to assist citizens with unloading their debris.

Example of stacked branches beside blue & black carts

3) Citizens can stack tree debris as close to the edge of their property without impeding roads, pathways or sidewalks. This includes:

• Stacking branches neatly where you normally place your black and blue carts (front roadways or in back alleys/laneways). Please note that tree debris will not be picked up at the same time as your residential garbage/recycling pick up as pick up of tree debris needs to remain ‘clean’ and will require specialized equipment.
• Stacking branches neatly and placing on your front yard or driveway, near the sidewalk but not impeding access is acceptable.
• Stacking branches neatly on a residential boulevard or median - not impeding access to adjacent roadways or sidewalks is acceptable. Please be mindful of risks associated with adjacent traffic activity if using this option.
• Stacking branches neatly in back lanes or alleyways - not impeding access to roads or walkways is acceptable.

Example of stacked branches on residential boulevard

Ideally, stacked tree branches are no more than 4ft in length. However, the City appreciates the efforts and cooperation of citizens and the collection and stacking of branches in any of the above mentioned scenarios is appreciated.

Please be patient as City crews will take some time to get around to all areas of the city. Ideally and if citizens are able, preference is for collected branches to be brought directly to the City landfills and secondly, to one of the 33 leaf and pumpkin drop-off locations.

Thanks to everyone for pitching in to clean up our city.

Restoring your home’s electricity

Has power been restored to your neighbourhood after this week’s storm, but you still don’t have electricity?

Your ‘service masthead’ may have been damaged. This is the part of the electrical connection on your house that connects to the main overhead power lines.

If your home’s service masthead is damaged, you will need to hire a qualified electrician to make electrical repairs to your home before ENMAX can restore power.

You can use the local listings or get a referral to find an electrician and make sure they have a City of Calgary business license (contact 311 to verify), who will obtain electrical permits on your behalf.

The City works closely with ENMAX to restore power to residential communities as quickly as possible. A qualified electrician can pull permits without delaying repairs to your property by applying online before work begins or the following business day.

Visit Calgary.ca for more information on restoring your home’s electricity.

Update on City response to September snow event

With power now restored to the majority of Calgarians and tree cleanup well underway, The City continues to work on the aftermath of an early snowfall.

Remaining Power Outages
Crews have worked quickly to restore service to as many as possible and are pleased to report that currently the power only remains off for approximately 1,800 customers. ENMAX is working directly with impacted households to restore service. Safety remains the priority concern and houses cannot be re-energized unless it is safe to do so. Additional crews from Edmonton service areas and contractors arrived Thursday to provide extra support to Calgary operations.

If power to an area has been restored but individual households still do not have service, repairs may be required to the individual connection point on the home itself.

Calgarians with a damaged connector (also called a “service masthead”) on their home need to hire a qualified tradesperson to complete repairs. Contractors are able to quickly apply for all necessary permits to get customers connected without delay. Calgarians remain responsible for ensuring all proper permits are obtained and should ensure their contractor has applied for the proper permits. This can be verified by contacting 311 or 403-268-5311. More information is available on Calgary.ca.

Trees and debris
Since September 9, approximately 3,830 tree emergencies were reported to 311 on both private and public property. The City remains focused on clearing those trees damaged prior to assessing any longer term impacts.

We are asking for the patience of all Calgarians as we continue cleanup efforts. The City also asks citizens to help friends and neighbours with their cleanup on private property if it is safe to do so and within their physical abilities. Please be safe when assisting others. Wear appropriate safety gear and call for help if downed branches or trees are near a power line. If it’s safe to do so:

• Collect and take tree debris directly to any of The City’s three City landfill sites and it will be accepted at no charge. The City will be mulching the debris for future use.
• Debris should be cut into no more than four foot lengths and stacked as neatly as possible close to where regular cart collection would take place. Do not block lanes, roads or sidewalks.
• Do not put branches and tree debris into black and blue collection carts. This debris clearing will operate as a separate program than regular cart collection. Put branches beside your black and blue carts.

When contacting 311, use an online solution if possible to avoid long wait times. Fill out the online form for fallen trees or download the City’s 311 mobile app for iPhone and Android to report a concern.

Residents who have already contacted the City with a tree-related complaint and nothing has changed, should avoid calling back. If a situation changes and poses an immediate danger, please call 911.

Impacted City Recreation Facilities
Recreation staff worked diligently through the day and evening to address issues at eleven arenas, aquatic facilities and Wildflower Arts Centre which were closed until Wednesday. All impacted facilities have now re-opened. Debris is also being picked up at City-operated golf courses that we aim to begin re-opening this weekend. Recreation operated athletic parks remain closed due to fallen trees and wet conditions and will be re-opened as debris is removed and conditions improve. Check our recreation facility status tool for the current status of all recreation facilities.

Due to the current closure of some City parks and pathways, outdoor events planned for this weekend may need to be relocated or cancelled. The City will continue to work with event organizers to advise of any impacts to public events.

More information updates are available at www.calgary.ca.

Tips for power interruptions

The City of Calgary continues to respond to the effects of the recent heavy snowfall. Public safety is our top priority.

Some Calgarians remain without power, and ENMAX is working quickly to restore power to affected areas. Debris from broken trees is still present and City crews are working throughout the night to clean up.

If you or someone you know is still experiencing a power outage, please consider some of the following:

• For emergency or life threatening situations - call 911
• For non urgent health advice call Health Link Alberta at 1 866 408 5465.
• Turn off or disconnect any appliances or electronic equipment you were using at the time of the outage.
• Keep one light switched on so you know when the power comes back on.
• Think safety! Do not use any gas or charcoal BBQs or devices as they can cause an increase of Carbon Monoxide gas which can result in serious and life threatening illness.
• The indoor use of candles should be avoided. Battery operated lights provide a better and safer light source.
• Generators should not be used indoors. Converse heat by keeping windows and doors closed, and paying special attention to young children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions.
• With temperatures expected to hover just below 0 degrees Celsius, often wearing a hat or sweater and use of a blanket can provide enough warmth to keep you comfortable.
• Use of a battery-powered or hand-crank radio can keep you informed of important updates.
• Keep your freezer and refrigerator doors closed to keep food cold for many hours. Most food will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Dairy products should be discarded after six hours. Items in the freezer will last 12 to 48 hours, depending on how full the freezer is and what kinds of food are stored inside.

Updates on ENMAX outages can be found at www.enmax.com/outages. City service updates can be accessed through www.calgary.ca.

Snowfall tree debris management

Recent snowfall has caused damage to many trees throughout the city, leaving tree debris on both private property and City property.

All three City landfills – Spyhill, Shepard and East Calgary – are accepting tree debris from the snowstorm at no charge until further notice. Customers arriving at the scalehouse should identify that they are bringing tree debris and must not mix the debris with any other waste material for it to be accepted free of charge.

Beginning Saturday, September 13, citizens can also access all 33 of The City's leaf and pumpkin drop-off locations to dispose of damaged tree limbs.

Alternatively, tree debris can be cut into 4-foot pieces in length and stacked beside waste and recycling carts to be picked up with regular collection or at a later date, depending on our resources.

To help keep regular garbage and recycling pickup on schedule, and to avoid damaging City equipment, we ask that Calgarians do not put tree debris in their blue, black or green carts.

Calgarians may notice a disruption with City services such as power outages in City facilities and delayed garbage and recycling collection due to tree debris blocking back lanes. We thank Calgarians for their patience as City crews work to manage all effects of the recent snowfall.

Please be safe as many drooping tree limbs still pose a safety threat. We continue to work on a debris management plan and will communicate with Calgarians later today how we will be proceeding. At this time, we are still focused on emergency response to fallen tree debris on roads and impacts from power outages throughout the city. Safety is our current priority.

Contact information for snowfall-related emergencies

Due to the recent snowfall and its impact on trees that have not yet shed their leaves, City personnel at our 311 and 911 call centres are responding to high call volumes to support Calgarians. Please see the information below to help identify who to contact in various situations.

CALL 911 to report life threatening emergencies including:
- Power lines that are sparking or on the ground

CONTACT 311 to report fallen tree limbs including:
- Trees leaning on power lines
- Tree emergencies, including limbs that have fallen on roadways, houses and vehicles
- Every fallen tree limb that is reported will be recorded in our database and placed on a map to determine priorities
- Download the 311 mobile app for iPhone and Android or use the online form to report your concern without any wait time

ENMAX is aware of power outages across the city
- Stay informed on power outage status at enmax.com/outages or receive updates on the ENMAX Power Trouble line at 403-514-6100
- If a tree touches a power line from a power pole to your house, or to report your damaged power line, call 403-258-8232
- If your power is out and you need to report a 911 emergency
          1. Use a landline plugged into a phone jack
          2. Use a cell phone.
          3. If your cell-phone does not have battery charge, go to a trusted neighbour’s house, nearest emergency station (Police/Fire), or commercial establishment.