By Katie Woitas
Alberta winters are beautiful, but they’re not for the faint of heart. Winter in Alberta can be harsh— blizzards, roads like ice rinks, and long stretches with temperatures below -40°. While these hazards happen every year, the 2025 Preparedness Survey of Albertans shows many people still report feeling unprepared. For common winter hazards, the Be Prepared program at the Alberta Emergency Management Agency recommends gathering supplies to shelter in place and building an emergency kit for possible evacuations.
Gathering supplies (sheltering in place)
Gathering supplies means collecting items to keep you and your loved ones safe if you need to stay home for an extended period. This could be during severe weather, or if a shelter-in-place advisory is issued by your local authority. If it is safer to remain in your home than to evacuate, would you have what you need to keep your household safe, comfortable and self-sufficient? Hazards can be unpredictable, but they often move quickly and impact access to everyday services. Be Prepared recommends keeping at least a 14-day supply on hand, if space allows.
Consider including the following:
Stored or bottled water (four litres, per person, per day)
Non-perishable food (canned goods like soups, beans, vegetables or meat; dry goods like pasta, grains, protein bars, granola, etc)
Medical supplies (essential prescription drugs, medical equipment and power source, if needed; over-the-counter medications, vitamins or supplements)
First aid supplies
Cleaning supplies
Equipment (battery- or crank-operated flashlights and radios, candles, waterproof matches or lighter, fully charged portable chargers and cords, multi-tool or can-opener, extra batteries, etc.)
Entertainment items (books, cards, toys)
If possible, cash for up to two weeks
If possible, a generator
Building an emergency kit (evacuation)
If you’ve started gathering supplies, you can use many of the same items to build an emergency kit to take with you if you need to evacuate. Your kit should be packed in a bag, case or other container, and it should include essential supplies to keep your loved ones safe for a minimum of three days, but ideally a week or more.
Kits can be individual to each household member, including pets, or shared between members. Remember to store your kit(s) in an easily accessible spot so it’s ready to go if needed. Put basics such as stored or bottled water, non-perishable food and medications in your kit. And since an evacuation could keep you away from home for an extended period, consider adding other items that support your comfort, safety and important personal needs:
Spare clothing, warm layers, toques, mitts and traction devices for shoes
Heat packs
Sleeping bag, blanket or emergency heat blanket
Spare, seasonally appropriate shoes
Important documents and identification (with digital copies kept on a USB or a secure online storage service) such as:
Passports
Certificates, like birth, marriage, status card and/or citizenship(s)
Insurance policies
Files and photos
Emergency contact lists, including your loved ones, doctor and utility providers, etc.
Wills
Sentimental or comfort items like photos, ceremonial items or ashes
Preparedness is unique
Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time and during any season. That means how you prepare and respond will be different, depending on the situation. The Be Prepared program has resources to help you learn more about common hazards and how to prepare, but remember that supplies and kits should reflect the unique needs of your household. Only you know what is most essential to you. Do you use a mobility aid? Consider including a tire patch kit. Do you have allergies or a chronic medical condition? Consider how much medication you will need and keep copies of your prescriptions.
Preparedness is a habit you can build by taking small steps year-round. When preparing your emergency supplies, search your house to see what you already have, like an old duffle or backpack to start a kit or a flat of water. Make a list of what you need and look out for sales. Use the change of season as a reminder to swap seasonal items; check expiry dates of food, water and documents; charge batteries; and ensure clothing still fits.
Being prepared doesn’t mean you are expecting the worst; it means having peace of mind. Small actions, like gathering supplies or building an emergency kit, can help you respond with confidence, get back to work and daily life sooner, support the people around you, and manage the day-to-day challenges of winter.
What is the Be Prepared program?
The Government of Alberta’s Be Prepared program strengthens emergency preparedness by encouraging Albertans to be ready for emergencies by taking preparedness steps year-round. The program supports individuals, households, and communities by providing free tools, resources, and education to increase risk literacy and encourage preparedness actions before, during, and after an emergency.
To learn more or access free materials to help you take the first step in emergency preparedness, visit Alberta.ca/BePrepared.
Katie Woitas
Katie Woitas is a risk reduction communications specialist with the Government of Alberta. Katie develops resources to help Albertans prepare for emergencies as part of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.