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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

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. Key Vulnerable Persons: Anyone who has reduced mobility due to a disability or other factors Anyone who manages a health condition with equipment that requires electricity and/or running water Anyone who receives caregiver assistance 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 Severe Storm Warning Impact Me? Severe Storm Warnings indicate that weather conditions may become extreme, leading to potential property damage, flooding, and limited mobility/transportation ability. Severe storms can also damage community infrastructure, possibly causing power, telephone, or internet outages. Additionally, large hail or heavy rain can cause damage to crops or gardens. To prepare for a Severe Storm Warning, we recommend: Take the time to prepare an Emergency Kit (water, food, flashlights w/ batteries, extra medications, emergency numbers). Keep your fuel tank full, in case gas stations are closed or damaged during/following a storm. Secure loose outdoor belongings to prevent damage. If you have a garden, plan to cover your crops to reduce hail damage. If you are indoors, keep your curtains/blinds/window coverings closed. If you are in a vehicle, keep away from trees or power lines that may fall on you. Stress and anxiety about storms can be detrimental to children, youth, and people with mental illnesses. Do your best to alleviate these concerns by being prepared beforehand, For more Resilient Rurals Resources visit the Resource Hub Additional Resources Public Weather Alerts For Alberta Thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain, and hail (Government of Alberta) Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

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

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. Key Vulnerable Groups: Seniors (65+) Anyone living with a health condition that increases heat sensitivity (e.g., cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, high blood pressure etc.) Anyone treating a health condition with medication that increases heat sensitivity (e.g., blood pressure treatments, diuretics, antihistamines, decongestants, medicines to treat psychiatric conditions, etc.) If you are taking medication, talk to your medical provider to determine if your condition or medication increases your sensitivity to heat and/or sun (UV rays). Who Else May Be Vulnerable? Other vulnerable groups can include people who live in a low-income household, 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 An Extreme Heat Warning Impact Me? If an Extreme Heat Warning is released, it is important to know how to keep your home cool, as well as where cooling centers may be located in your community. There are also ways to help your body stay cool during the hottest parts of the day. 10 cool tips for staying cool: Arrange fans near open windows at night to move cool air into your home Keep the windows open at night to let cool air in, and closed during the day to keep the hot air out Arrange air conditioner units if possible Stay hydrated and shaded (including keeping blinds/curtains closed during the days) Eat hydrating foods, such as watermelon, cucumber, apples, or other juicy fruits/veggies Practice sun safety, as sunburns can reduce the body's ability to stay cool Wear lighter and looser clothing Avoid strenuous activities, especially when the temperature rises Take cool showers, swimming, or using sprinklers Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle under any circumstances Understanding and recognizing the signs of heat stroke and/or heat exhaustion is important. If someone is nauseous/vomiting, has a headache, is dizzy/fainting, extremely thirsty, breathing shallowly and/or rapidly, is not urinating, or is experiencing behavioural changes, it's important to act quickly. You can cool a person down using shade, cool cloths, and fans. It's also important to make sure the person has water to drink. You can also remove shoes or clothing as necessary to facilitate cooling. Call 911 if someone is still feeling unwell after 30 minutes of cooling, is not sweating while feeling too hot, loses consciousness, has a fit (seizure), or becomes non-responsive. Resilient Rurals Extreme Heat Warning Resources: Are You Heat Vulnerable? Heat-Induced Medical Emergencies and How To Prevent Them Recommendations for Extreme Heat For more Resilient Rurals Resources Extreme Heat in the Resource Hub Additional Resources Heat Warning Information (Alberta Health Services) Dealing With A Heatwave (Strathcona County) Extreme Heat Events (Canada.ca) Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

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 Key Vulnerable Populations: 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 sub-standard housing conditions, 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 Severe Wind Warning Impact Me? Severe Wind Warnings can cause injury, property damage, and/or make it difficult to operate a vehicle or machinery. It is important to secure loose items, such as patio/deck chair, garbage cans, etc. in order to prevent them from becoming potentially dangerous flying objects. Resilient Rurals Severe Wind Warning Resources: Collection: Safeguarding Your Property, Risks, and Staying Safe For more Resilient Rurals Resources visit the Resource Hub Additional Resources Tornadoes and extreme winds (Government of Alberta) Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

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. Key Vulnerable Populations: Seniors (65+) Anyone who has reduced mobility due to a disability or other factors Anyone who lives with a condition that requires caregiver assistance Anyone who lives with a health condition that increases risk with poor air quality (e.g., moderate to severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.) Anyone who manages a health condition with equipment that requires electricity and/or running water Who Else May Be Vulnerable? Other vulnerable groups can include people who live alone or run a lone-parent household, and people who live with mental health issues. 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 Wildfire Warning Impact Me? Wildfires can have a devastating impact on communities and ecosystems. It is important to prepare for a wildfire in your area by creating an Emergency Preparedness kit, and understanding the evacuation routes in your community before a wildfire becomes a concern. Alongside devastating impacts to homes and property, wildfires can worsen air quality or lead to smoke inhalation, which can cause difficult/noisy breathing, a hoarse voice or trouble speaking, coughing, and possible changes in mental state (lethargy, agitation, confusion, etc.). Resilient Rurals Wildfire Warning Resources: Safeguarding Properties From Wildfire Wildfires and Air Quality For more Resilient Rurals Resources visit Wildfires in the Resource Hub! Additional Resources Alberta Wildfires Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard Wildfire Resources (Alberta Health Services) Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

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

The Impacts of Colonization on Indigenous Food Systems This module was developed in collaboration with Indigenous guidance through SevGen Consulting. Learn about the impacts of colonization on Indigenous food systems. Next Home Transcription & Notes Read more Video coming soon... The Impacts of Colonization on Indigenous Food Systems Transcript & Slides Transcript PDF Transcript PDF References Coming soon. ​ Back Next

Indigenous People as Leaders in the Food Sovereignty Movement This module was developed in collaboration with Indigenous guidance through SevGen Consulting. Learn about how indigenous peoples and communities are leading food sovereignty movements. Next Home Transcription & Notes Read more Video coming soon... Indigenous People as Leaders in the Food Sovereignty Movement Transcript & Slides Transcript PDF Transcript PDF References Coming soon. ​ Back Next