To ensure an effective and coordinated response to an event or disaster, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been established, equipped and is ready to be activated.

There are over 300 staff from City departments, partnering organizations and agencies that are trained to staff the EOC during a major incident or disaster.

The Office of Emergency Preparedness monitors potential outbreaks, disasters, etc. and provides information and training on preparing for disaster.  This includes Business Continuity Planning, Community Emergency Preparedness, Pandemic Influenza Planning, and Municipal Emergency Planning.

Current Operations

The Office of Emergency Preparedness is currently monitoring the H1N1 influenza outbreak and is updating the City's pandemic plan. The City's role in the event of a serious outbreak of the H1N1 virus in Edmonton is to:

• Maintain essential services such as police and fire and the continuity of local government
• Look after the health and safety of City employees and their families
• Support the efforts of Alberta Health Services in managing the virus

Current Training and Events

• ICS 200 October 20th and.

October – Influenza
Human influenza or the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Strains circulate every year, making people sick. Influenza typically starts with a headache, chills and cough, followed rapidly by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, running nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children.

Most people will recover from influenza within a week or ten days, but some - including those over 65 and adults and children with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cancer - are at greater risk of more severe complications, such as pneumonia. Between 4 000 and 8 000 Canadians can die of influenza and its complications annually, depending on the severity of the season.

The H1N1 flu virus is a new strain of pandemic influenza which is different than the seasonal flu. People have no natural immunity to protect against this virus. The H1N1 flu virus emerged in April 2009 and surveillance of its spread shows that it is affecting more young and healthy people than the regular seasonal flu, which normally affects seniors and young children. People with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women may be at a greater risk for severe illness.

The H1N1 flu virus – also known as human swine influenza – is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs. This virus usually affects pigs, but has been transferred to humans.

The H1N1 flu virus has caused primarily mild illness in Canada, but Canadians need to be prepared to respond to a potentially more severe form of the virus that may emerge this fall.

For more information on how to plan and be prepared, check out the following links:

Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health and Wellness

Public Health Agency of Canada

Environment Canada

For more information:

For more information on emergency preparedness programs

Emergency Preparedness Links - Help keep your family safe with this collection of safety and emergency related web pages.