BANFF – Banff residents are being delivered an updated guide to make sure they’re ready to evacuate in the event of an emergency like flooding or wildfire.
With the rivers running high and fast right now, coupled with predictions for an above-average wildfire season, the Town of Banff will distribute an updated guide to about 3,800 dwellings this month.
“The evacuation guide is an important tool to help the people of Banff prepare,” said Silvio Adamo, the Town of Banff’s emergency management director.
“We are asking residents and businesses to please keep an eye out for the evacuation guide in June.”
In case of emergency, the Town of Banff has an emergency plan and emergency preparedness resources for residents.
The Town of Banff and Parks Canada conduct annual training exercises for wildfire management and emergency response, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, no training exercises will be done this year.
However, Adamo said Banff residents and businesses must continue to prepare for emergencies.
He said the guide and the municipality’s online tool kits will help families, individuals and businesses be ready for situations like flooding, which is a significant risk this time of year, as well as wildfires approaching town.
“Human-caused issues are a risk everywhere, including train derailment or acts of violence,” he said.
Banff residents have been on high wildfire alert in recent years, most recently during the 2017 Verdant Creek fire, which forced evacuation of Sunshine Village Ski Resort and Kootenay Park Lodge.
In the mountain national parks, studies show fire suppression and climate change have altered the pattern, frequency and intensity of wildfires. There used to be more frequent low and moderate intensity fires, whereas now there are fewer fires, but they burn extremely hot. For example, the 2003 Verendrye fire in Kootenay National Park burned about 16,000 hectares, with 41 per cent of that burning at a high severity.
In terms of flooding, this year marks the seventh anniversary of the 2013 southern Alberta floods, which destroyed homes, highways and other infrastructure throughout the Bow Valley.
In Banff National Park alone, the floods caused $19 million in damage to roads and infrastructure, including trails and bridges that were washed away when torrential rains from the Great Divide to the front ranges turned mountain streams in raging torrents.
At present, rivers are running fast and high, but a high stream advisory for the Bow River and its tributaries was lifted by the province on Saturday (June 6) as flows returned to more normal levels for this time of year.
Banff officials urge residents to review the evacuation guide when they get it this month, including their evacuation zone, levels of response and what they need to to do in order to prepare for a possible emergency evacuation.
They encourage residents to develop evacuation plans for their homes and workplaces, and have an emergency kit ready by the door.
“The Town of Banff works diligently to ensure highest levels of safety and protection in the community, and individuals have a responsibility to do their part in being ready to respond to emergencies,” said Adamo.
Residents can register for emergency alerts from the Town of Banff through Notify Me. In the event of an emergency, subscribers will receive a text or email with details. These alerts can also be viewed in the Alert Centre.
Meanwhile, alongside the advice on preparing for disasters, the Town of Banff is supporting the community through the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering disposable masks with the evacuation guide to help residents reduce the risk of transmission.
