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Air Quality Advisory Air quality refers to the amount of pollutants or particles in the air we breathe. Air Quality Advisories are released when the amount of pollutants in the air can be irritating and/or damaging. Key Vulnerable Groups Seniors (65+) Anyone living with a health condition that increases risk in poor air quality (e.g., moderate to severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.) How Does An Air Quality Advisory Impact Me? If an Air Quality Advisory is released, we may need to alter our outdoor or strenuous physical activity to reduce the impact on our lungs and hearts. Children and the elderly may also be at greater risk of irritation and coughing. Air Quality Advisories may mean moving activities indoors, or wearing a mask known as a particulate respirator (N95, NIOSH, P100) to reduce the amount of particles/pollutants inhaled. Resilient Rurals Air Quality Resources: How Can You Reduce Your Exposure To Air Pollution? Health Effects of Air Pollution Air Quality and Climate Change in Canada For more Resilient Rurals Resources, visit Air Quality in the Resource Hub Additional Resources Fort Air Partnership Provincial Air Quality Health Index Health Information for Air Quality Events Air Quality Health Index Map Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

Emergency Preparedness Emergency Preparedness can mean different things to different people. Generally, it is recommended that you and your family are prepared for 72 hours in case an emergency hits. What To Keep In An Emergency Preparedness Kit: Water (recommended 2 L/person/day) Food (prevent spoilage by using canned goods, energy bars, and other dried foods) Manual can-opener to open canned goods Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries) Crank or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) First aid kit (bandages, alcohol/hydrogen peroxide, etc.) Extra keys for home and vehicles Some cash, preferably in smaller bills A copy of your emergency plan and contact information Candles and matches/lighter Change of clothing/footwear for each household member Toiletries Hand sanitizer Utensils Garbage bags Basic tools (plyers, hammer, screwdriver, pocket knife, work gloves) A whistle, to attract attention Duct tape Blanket(s) Vulnerable Groups and Emergency Preparedness If you have identified yourself as belonging to a vulnerable group, there may be extra considerations in case of an emergency event. Below are some of the items you may want/need to include in an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Prescription medications Infant formula Equipment for people with disabilities (may include fresh water to run equipment) Food/water for pets Reliable transportation in case of mobility issues (people with disabilities, people with children) Ways to contact emergency services in case of power/telephone/internet outage Other Considerations While some of us may be fortunate enough to never be in an emergency situation, it pays to be prepared. Understanding what weather events or risks may create an emergency situation is critical. Moreover, one can have added security by ensuring their insurance is up to date and covers the most common natural disasters for your area. It is also helpful to develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan that you share with your family members. This can include emergency contact numbers, where to go in case family members are not together, and how to exit your house in case of an emergency. Resilient Rurals Emergency Preparedness Resources: Home Insurance Guide Who is Climate Vulnerable in Your Community? For more Resilient Rurals Resources visit the Resource Hub Additional Resources Your Emergency Preparedness Guide Emergency Preparedness Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

< Back to Rural Showcase Climate West - Connecting Rural Communities to Relevant and Credible Climate Data Accurate, timely, and accessible data is critical for making informed decisions. Drawing on the guidance of its three founding partner organizations (Prairie Climate Centre, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, and the Prairies Regional Adaptation Collaborative), ClimateWest understands the Prairies need tailored climate solutions. Today, we have a wealth of climate information at our fingertips. Unfortunately, not all of this information is correct or relevant to our unique contexts. How do we know if we are using the right tools when planning for our region? ClimateWest is the regional hub for climate services in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba that seeks to provide credible data and resources, bridging the data gap for municipalities across the Prairies. We spoke to Bryce Gallant, the Network Coordinator at ClimateWest, and Cameron Hunter, a Policy Advisor from the International Institute for Sustainable Development, to learn how quality data can influence rural climate adaptation plans. We asked Bryce: What makes ClimateWest unique in how it serves the Prairie region? “There’s a huge diversity among rural communities, adaptation is not a one-size-fits-all process. Our mandate is to deliver timely, useful, and credible climate information, data, and tools tailored to the Prairies region, in support of positive adaptation to climate change. We do this by drawing on the strengths of our three founding partner organizations, which provide the expertise and capacity to deliver on ClimateWest’s mandate. Basically, if you have any questions related to the Prairies and climate information/data, reach out to us.” How To Find Climate Data? Climate data and climate information are broad terms that can include a wide range of data sources, including historically observed data recorded at weather stations across Canada, future climate projections like those generated from global climate models (GCMs), as well as other forms of information including Traditional Knowledge and other local knowledge systems. But, how do you find the right data for your community? The answer, of course, varies based on your specific context, experience, and needs. When looking at future climate projections, there are multiple components to consider: the greenhouse gas emission scenario(s), climate variables, scale, time-frame, and models available. Luckily for us in Canada, we have access to several credible and accurate data sources, including the Climate Atlas of Canada and ClimateData.ca , that provide us with climate information appropriate for data users of all experience levels. It’s critical for everyone—from those working directly in climate adaptation to those who’ve only ever just heard of the concept—to understand what the situation is, and what needs to be done. Making climate data accessible is key. ClimateWest has a number of resources that can help bridge that gap and empower communities to find accurate and informative data that enables adaptation planning. ClimateWest: Resources for Rural Regions ClimateWest seeks to connect rural communities to data and information that facilitates community climate adaptation planning. Their publication, A Guide To Finding Climate Information and Data , “focuses specifically on climate information needs of the prairie provinces in Canada, where different kinds of climate data reside, basics for how to use the information, and how it can be used for climate change adaptation planning.” ClimateWest also recently hosted a webinar series, Tools for Municipal Adaptation Planning , which focus on how to navigate climate databases and apply information to the rural context. Additionally, ClimateWest offers a help desk where you can get answers to your questions regarding accessing and applying climate data within your municipality, free of charge. The Help Desk can offer support with locating the most relevant data and understanding its implications as well as provide guidance on the integration of climate data into decision-making. Floods, Droughts, Forest Fires: What Climate Events Do Rural Communities Need To Adapt To? While the Prairie provinces have always been hubs of extreme weather, climate change is altering the kinds of weather we will experience now and for years to come. What will these changes look like? And how might these changes affect rural municipalities? Bryce tells us “6/10 of Canada’s most costly extreme weather events since 2010 have occurred on the Prairies”. And it’s likely these events will only worsen in frequency and severity. We have to be prepared. Weather changes may bring about more flooding, droughts, forest fires, and increasingly severe storms. This has a direct impact on our communities’ roads, buildings, pipelines, and other infrastructure. Water resources, especially the timing of our spring thaw and the amount of rain in spring and summer will also change in the coming years. We asked Bryce what we can do, and she said, “Planning for these impacts increases the resilience of Alberta communities, and can reduce the high financial implications if the damage can be mitigated or avoided altogether.” If you want to learn more about how the Prairie provinces will be impacted by climate change, view Canada in a Changing Climate: National Issues . Rural Resilience and Climate Adaptation: The Barriers and Long-Term Strengths of Prairie Municipalities “Communities throughout the Prairies have already been adapting to shifts in weather between seasons. The variability in the climate is what makes this region so unique. Communities themselves already show a large degree of resilience.” - Cameron Hunter, International Institute for Sustainable Development Rural communities are diverse, unique, and often have a strong sense of community and connection to the land. But, they also face diverse and unique barriers that urban centers may not encounter. A recent regional survey , conducted by the Prairies Regional Adaptation Collaborative, revealed useful insights from Prairie communities, including challenges they face when it comes to climate adaptation planning. These include: Limited staff members, staff time, or staff skills Lack of financial resources Other pressing community concerns Lack of data relevant to their area or capabilities The huge diversity among rural communities in location, staff, climate change impacts, and capacity can make it difficult to know where to start. As Bryce says, “It may require a lot more time on the community’s part to understand and implement guidelines that are actually tailored to their needs. To build resilience to climate change, developing a solid adaptation plan is crucial.” Where Does Climate Adaptation Begin? “More than 80% of municipalities and Indigenous communities on the Prairies are or have experienced unusually extreme weather or related weather events in the past 10 years. Municipalities are worried about damage to critical transportation infrastructure, changes to their agriculture sector, and the growing season [spring/summer]. We’re really seeing that rural communities are on the frontlines of climate change, so these communities also need to be proactively planning for their future climates now to stave off any negative impacts.” - Cameron Hunter, IISD So what does it take to start planning for climate change? The first step, according to ClimateWest, is understanding the changes that will happen in your area. Changes reveal risks or vulnerabilities in the current infrastructure. With the necessary data, municipalities can create a climate adaptation plan that makes sense for them. This may mean updating facility infrastructure to promote cooling, planting trees, or creating emergency response plans to extreme weather events. Most importantly, Cameron says “A good adaptation plan is really responsive to a community’s unique circumstances and needs, and here at ClimateWest, we are always looking for ways to support communities' needs at all of the different stages of the adaptation planning process.” How Are Rural Communities Adapting Already? Climate adaptation is a process, and with warmer summers, wetter springs, and other weather changes already occurring, it’s a process that is important to begin soon. Many rural communities are taking steps to improve their resilience to climate change. In southern Alberta, Wheatland County has established the East Strathmore Solar Project , to improve renewable energy access. In Bruderheim, Gibbons, and Lamont, Resilient Rurals has played a significant role in facilitating climate adaptation in a wide variety of projects, including conducting community assessments, implementation plans, and various communication strategies. Despite the diversity in background, history, and climate events, rural communities have one thing in common: their ability to rise to any weather challenge. Without this strength and resilience, life in Canada’s Prairie provinces would not thrive. It’s time to apply this resilience to climate adaptation, and ClimateWest seeks to help rural municipalities do just that. Previous Next Introducing Rural Showcase... A dynamic network of resilience leaders are working in and among rural communities across Canada. Resilient Rurals' Rural Showcase highlights the prominent champions channelling their expertise and passion to empower rural communities, advance climate adaptation and enhance the local environment. Connect with local leaders, hear their stories and learn from their expertise.

Social Media Toolkit Quick and easily shareable content? We’ve got you covered. We've organized a collection of posts and infographics for your Instagram, Facebook, Twitter pages, and even your community newsletter. Build public awareness around the issues that matter most to your community and be ready with information to share if an emergency event ever were to happen with the following downloadable file sets. The Information Library For printable fact sheets and more content to share in your newsletters, emails, or on your website, check out the Information Library. Browse Library Hazards and Emergency Events Download file set Twenty-three posts to communicate the risks of hazards and information related to emergency events all year long. Includes summer and winter hazards kit. Topics: Drought, Windstorms, Heatwaves, Extreme Cold, Wildfires, Air Quality, Flood Risk in Canada and Alberta, Preparing for Risks. Summer Hazards Kit Download file set Ten posts to share throughout the summer and as events occur. Topics: Heatwave Safety, Wildfires, Air Quality, Preparing for Risks Winter Hazards Kit Download file set Five posts to share throughout the winter months and as events occur. Topics: Understanding Alerts, Winterizing your Home and Vehicle, Medical Emergencies Emergency Preparedness Download file set Fourteen posts designed to grow awareness and knowledge of emergency preparedness in your community. Topics: Emergency Preparedness Tips, Insurance Community Wellness and Resilience Download file set Seven posts to share with your c ommunity to describe what resilience is, how it's built, and the impacts of climate change on mental health. Topics: Mental He alth, Ecological Grief, Climate Resilience, Community Vulnerability Climate Change in the Prairies Download file set Six educational posts outlining the impacts of climate change for Alberta and Canada's prairies. Topics: Extre me Weather Events, Slow-Onset Climate Impacts, Biodiversity Impacts, Prairie Climate Trends by Season, Air Quality Impacts, Insurance Ecology, Gardening and Landscaping Download file set Four posts to help you plant a seed among your community and support a transition to more naturalized and ecologically sound greenspaces. Note: the content of these posts is Alberta-focused. Topics: Ecoscaping, Native Plants, Drought- T oleran t Planting, Invasive Species

Large Hail Warning In Canada, severe hail is considered to be nickel-sized or larger. Hailstorm-alley runs through south-central Alberta, and includes Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, and surrounding areas. Key Vulnerable Groups Seniors (65+) Anyone who has reduced mobility due to a disability or other factors Who Else May Be Vulnerable? Other vulnerable groups can include people who live in a low-income household, people who live in sub-standard housing conditions, people who live with mental health issues, and people whose job requires working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. If you know someone who may belong to one of these groups, we encourage you to reach out to them, and share this information. How Does A Large Hail Warning Impact Me? Large hail can cause damage to houses (siding and roofs), vehicles, and gardens/crops. During a Large Hail Warning, it is important to bring all people and pets inside and away from windows, which may break if hit by large hail at high speeds. If you can, cover your vehicles, gardens, and windows before the hail hits. It is also important to check your home and car insurance to determine if hail damage is covered under your policy. Likewise, keeping your eavestroughs clean, and pruning weakened tree branches can mitigate potentially extreme damage during a storm. It is not recommended that people drive during a hailstorm, and if it occurs while you are driving, pull into a gas station/covered structure, or angle your car so the hail hits your reinforced windshield (as opposed to side or back windows). Avoid taking cover under a tree, as it may break during the storm, causing further damage to your vehicle. Resilient Rurals Large Hail Warning Resources: Home Insurance Guide For more Resilient Rurals Resources, visit our Resource Hub Additional Resources: Hail storms: stay safe before, during, and after Is your roof ready for severe hail? Also view our Severe Storm Warning and Severe Wind Warning sections for more information about how severe weather can impact your life Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

Rural Assist Program YOU ARE ON THE RURAL ASSIST RESOURCE LANDING PAGE. Continue to scrolling for information about how advisories and warnings may affect you or your loved ones. Emergency Contacts For emergencies call 911 Alberta Health Link | 1-866-408-5465 Air Quality Advisory Air quality refers to the amount of pollutants or particles in the air we breathe. Air Quality Advisories are released when the amount of pollutants in the air can be irritating and/or damaging. Read More Emergency Preparedness Emergency Preparedness can mean different things to different people. Generally, it is recommended that you and your family are prepared for 72 hours in case an emergency hits. Read More Extreme Heat Warning In Alberta, Heat Warnings are issued when daytime temperatures meet/exceed 29 C and overnight lows meet/exceed 14 C for at least two days in a row. Read More Large Hail Warning In Canada, severe hail is considered to be nickel-sized or larger. Hailstorm-alley runs through south-central Alberta, and includes Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, and surrounding areas. Read More Severe Storm Warning Severe Storm Warnings are released when large hail (2 cm or larger), strong winds (90 km/h or stronger), or heavy rain (50 mm rain/hour or more) have been detected or are highly possible. Read More Severe Wind Warning In most of Alberta, a Severe Wind Warning is given for winds expected to reach at least 70 km/h, or gust at least 90 km/h Read More Wildfire Warning In Alberta, Wildfire Season runs from March 31 - October 31 each year. Wildfires can be extremely dangerous and situations can quickly change. Prevention and preparedness are critical aspects of responding to a Wildfire Warning. Read More Rural Assist continues to accept new registrants Please provide your name and contact information and a Town of Bruderheim staff member will be in touch to complete your registration. ​ ​ Want to register a family member or friend? Rural Assist will require their direct consent, so please provide your contact information and a staff member will be in touch to discuss the best course of action. First Name Last Name Email Phone Select one of the following I would like to register with Rural Assist I would like to register a family member or friend with Rural Assist I would like more information about the Rural Assist program Register Thank you! A Bruderheim staff member will be in touch soon to complete your Rural Assist registration Want to recieve more town information? Register for Bruderheim's Alert System Learn more

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Hear from the people working through climate and resilience issues daily, as they share their perspectives and ideas for building a resilient future for rural Canada, together. A dynamic network of resilience leaders are working in and among rural communities across Canada. Resilient Rurals' Rural Showcase highlights the prominent champions channeling their expertise and passion to empower rural communities, advance climate adaptation and enhance the local environment. QUEST Canada - Advancing Community Capacity in the Quest for Net-Zero QUEST Canada is a national non-profit, championing energy innovation and climate change mitigation to accelerate the net-zero transition at the community level. A central factor driving QUEST Canada’s initiatives is the power that Canada’s communities hold in the climate change arena. Read More Rural Mental Health Project - Shifting From What’s Wrong to What’s Strong to Build a Mentally Resilient Rural Alberta When we talk about mental health, many people only think about mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, but the Rural Mental Health Project is challenging these assumptions to build strong, resilient rural communities. Social connections, supportive livelihoods, culture, and the environment are all integral to community mental health, as are the passionate community members the Project supports. Read More Rural Development Network - Engaging with the agricultural producers of today and tomorrow for a sustainable industry The Rural Development Network advocates for rural voices across the country, focusing on development and service provision to address rural-specific issues like housing, revitalization and transportation. Recently, RDN has entered the agri-food space, applying a rural lens to unearth opportunities in a sector intricately connected to rural identity. Read More Champions for Change: Empowering Rural Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow Every thriving community shares a common goal: to build a place where everyone can grow and where wellness and health are supported throughout everyday life. Initiatives led by Champions for Change stand out as their unwavering efforts have lasting impacts on their community and serve as proof of the power of small steps and community involvement. Read More Rural Routes To Climate Solutions: Why More Farmers Are Taking The Road Less Travelled Agriculture is the second biggest industry in Alberta. However, discussing strategies to combat climate change often falls by the wayside. Rural Routes to Climate Solutions seeks to change that by promoting farming and ranching practices to combat climate change and protect the environment. Read More Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources - Interweaving Western Science With Indigenous Knowledge To Further Environmental Adaptation Collaboration. Leadership. Environmental change. These characteristics are embodied by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, an organization supporting community-led and community-championed projects informed by Indigenous and Western knowledge lenses. Read More The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance - Our region’s watershed planning and advisory council The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance works with key partners, including the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Water Council, local stewardship groups and municipalities to implement Alberta’s Water for Life strategy. Read More Climate West - Connecting Rural Communities to Relevant and Credible Climate Data Accurate, timely, and accessible data is critical for making informed decisions. Drawing on the guidance of its three founding partner organizations (Prairie Climate Centre, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, and the Prairies Regional Adaptation Collaborative), ClimateWest understands the Prairies need tailored climate solutions. Read More Beaver Hills Biosphere - The Role Our Local Biosphere Plays in Regional Resilience Spotted with hundreds of wetlands, lakes and streams, and home to diverse wildlife and native plants, the Beaver Hills Biosphere is a hub of nature and culture just east of Edmonton. The region was recognized by UNESCO in 2016 as a biodiverse and culturally significant site, and since 2019, the Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve Association works to ensure these invaluable systems continue to flourish. Read More

Emergency Preparedness Emergency Preparedness can mean different things to different people. Generally, it is recommended that you and your family are prepared for 72 hours in case an emergency hits. What To Keep In An Emergency Preparedness Kit: Water (recommended 2 L/person/day) Food (prevent spoilage by using canned goods, energy bars, and other dried foods) Manual can-opener to open canned goods Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries) Crank or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) First aid kit (bandages, alcohol/hydrogen peroxide, etc.) Extra keys for home and vehicles Some cash, preferably in smaller bills A copy of your emergency plan and contact information Candles and matches/lighter Change of clothing/footwear for each household member Toiletries Hand sanitizer Utensils Garbage bags Basic tools (plyers, hammer, screwdriver, pocket knife, work gloves) A whistle, to attract attention Duct tape Blanket(s) Vulnerable Groups and Emergency Preparedness If you have identified yourself as belonging to a vulnerable group, there may be extra considerations in case of an emergency event. Below are some of the items you may want/need to include in an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Prescription medications Infant formula Equipment for people with disabilities (may include fresh water to run equipment) Food/water for pets Reliable transportation in case of mobility issues (people with disabilities, people with children) Ways to contact emergency services in case of power/telephone/internet outage Other Considerations While some of us may be fortunate enough to never be in an emergency situation, it pays to be prepared. Understanding what weather events or risks may create an emergency situation is critical. Moreover, one can have added security by ensuring their insurance is up to date and covers the most common natural disasters for your area. It is also helpful to develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan that you share with your family members. This can include emergency contact numbers, where to go in case family members are not together, and how to exit your house in case of an emergency. Resilient Rurals Emergency Preparedness Resources: Home Insurance Guide Who is Climate Vulnerable in Your Community? For more Resilient Rurals Resources visit the Resource Hub Additional Resources Your Emergency Preparedness Guide Emergency Preparedness Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

Rural Assist Program YOU ARE ON THE RURAL ASSIST RESOURCE LANDING PAGE. Continue to scrolling for information about how advisories and warnings may affect you or your loved ones. Emergency Contacts For emergencies call 911 Alberta Health Link | 1-866-408-5465 Air Quality Advisory Air quality refers to the amount of pollutants or particles in the air we breathe. Air Quality Advisories are released when the amount of pollutants in the air can be irritating and/or damaging. Read More Emergency Preparedness Emergency Preparedness can mean different things to different people. Generally, it is recommended that you and your family are prepared for 72 hours in case an emergency hits. Read More Extreme Heat Warning In Alberta, Heat Warnings are issued when daytime temperatures meet/exceed 29 C and overnight lows meet/exceed 14 C for at least two days in a row. Read More Large Hail Warning In Canada, severe hail is considered to be nickel-sized or larger. Hailstorm-alley runs through south-central Alberta, and includes Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, and surrounding areas. Read More Severe Storm Warning Severe Storm Warnings are released when large hail (2 cm or larger), strong winds (90 km/h or stronger), or heavy rain (50 mm rain/hour or more) have been detected or are highly possible. Read More Severe Wind Warning In most of Alberta, a Severe Wind Warning is given for winds expected to reach at least 70 km/h, or gust at least 90 km/h Read More Wildfire Warning In Alberta, Wildfire Season runs from March 31 - October 31 each year. Wildfires can be extremely dangerous and situations can quickly change. Prevention and preparedness are critical aspects of responding to a Wildfire Warning. Read More Rural Assist continues to accept new registrants Please provide your name and contact information and a Town of Bruderheim staff member will be in touch to complete your registration. ​ ​ Want to register a family member or friend? Rural Assist will require their direct consent, so please provide your contact information and a staff member will be in touch to discuss the best course of action. First Name Last Name Email Phone Select one of the following I would like to register with Rural Assist I would like to register a family member or friend with Rural Assist I would like more information about the Rural Assist program Register Thank you! A Bruderheim staff member will be in touch soon to complete your Rural Assist registration Want to recieve more town information? Register for Bruderheim's Alert System Learn more