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Emergency FAQs

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1. If my neighbourhood is being evacuated and I’m elsewhere, can I go home?

If there is no imminent danger and safe to do so. Emergency officials will allow you to return home to gather belongings and then evacuate.

2. If my children are at school and I receive an evacuation order, can I go get them?

The school board has comprehensive emergency plans. Parents will be notified and the school will release children based on their procedures to ensure all children are accounted for and safe.

3. My neighbourhood is being evacuated, my pets are at home unattended and I’m at work. Can I go get them?

If there is no imminent danger and safe to do so. Emergency officials will allow you to return home to collect your pets and supplies.

4. How do I find out if there’s an emergency? How do I find out if there is an evacuation order?

Subscribe to the Town of Banff emergency alert centre at banff.ca/notify. Alerts will also be posted to @Banff_Town on Twitter. Evacuation orders will be issued door-to-door in impacted neighbourhoods. Subscribe to the Alert Centre

5. I don’t have a vehicle. How do I evacuate with my belongings?

Transportation will be provided for anyone who does not have a vehicle. Emergency communication through the Town’s Emergency Coordination Centre will provide information on collection points and transportation routes.

6. My neighbour is elderly, or disabled. How will they be taken care of?

Notify emergency personnel and they will assist in the person’s evacuation.

7. How much time is typically given in an evacuation notice?

As much time as possible dependent on the nature of the emergency will be given through the Emergency Coordination Centre and could be up to several days in advance of an Evacuation Order.

8. What’s the difference between an evacuation notice and an evacuation order?

An Evacuation Notice is an advanced warning to allow people to prepare to be evacuated and can be up to several days in advance of an Evacuation Order. An Evacuation Order is issued when the Emergency Coordination Centre has determined it is necessary to move people out of a dangerous area.

9. How do I protect my home if I’ve been evacuated?

If an area is evacuated, the Town and RCMP will secure the area and not allow access to an evacuated area. The homeowner should lock up prior to evacuating. See the evacuation checklist.

10. Do I have to leave if I receive an evacuation order?

It is highly recommended. Emergency officials will not send response personnel back into an area that persons refused to evacuate until safe to do so.

11. Where is the emergency reception centre?

Emergency Reception centres will be set up in a location away from the emergency and you will be directed to them by emergency personnel. Locations will be named in the evacuation order and in the emergency alert updates. If you are evacuated you are asked to register with the reception centre regardless of where you stay so that we may contact you if needed.

12. Will I be able to take my pet to the emergency reception centre with me?

Yes, efforts will be made to accommodate all small domestic pets until relocation can occur.

13. Will my home insurance cover accommodation and food charges if I am evacuated?

It will depend on your policy coverage. Check with your provider to get more information. It’s wise to check as a step in creating your family’s emergency planning, so you understand your coverage and there are no surprises.

14. How long will an evacuation last?

It will depend on the nature of the emergency. No one will be allowed to return to their homes until it is safe to do so.

15. How will I find out when I can go home?

If you registered with the emergency reception centre, Town of Banff emergency personnel will contact you. You should also be subscribed to the Town’s Emergency Alert Centre – an alert will be issued when it is safe for you to return home.