Flooding heads top-10 list of potential Calgary emergencies

Calgary's top emergency readiness experts have written a report on how well prepared the city is for the next flood, blizzard or other threatto public safety.

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The Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) report lists the top 10 hazards and risks faced by the city and what plans have been put in place to mitigate the damage.

Ranked by probability and impact, flooding is at the top of the list, followed by:

• Blizzards
• Hailstorms
• Windstorms
• Infrastructure failures
• Major planned events
• Explosions/fires
• Telecommunications failures
• Energy supply emergencies
• Rail incidents

"In terms of preparedness, Albertans are more likely than most Canadians to believe they will face a natural or human-induced risk, which is encouraging since research indicates individuals are more likely to prepare for risks they believe occur," CEMA said in a release.

However, only one in three Calgarians have a 72-hour emergency kit to support themselves and their families in the aftermath of an emergency, CEMA says.

"While this is a nine percent increase from 2014, there is still work to be done to ensure Calgarians are prepared to be self-sufficient for the initial days after an emergency."

CEMA's report describes several initiatives taken last year to prepare for emergencies, including training for city employees in setting up evacuee reception centres, leading practice exercises for every city business unit for operating during an emergency and the creation of a Vulnerable Person Self-Registry to make sure disabled Calgarians get the help they need during emergencies.

CEMA will present its findings to the emergency management committee on Wednesday.

CEMA's mandate is to work with the city, first responders, businesses and non-profit groups to ensure Calgary is able to weather any emergency while maintaining essential city services.