Areas of Emergency Management
During a disaster or major emergency, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) brings together representatives from the City of Edmonton and the emergency response community to strategically coordinate resources in support of response and recovery activities.
There are more than 300 staff (from city departments, partnering organizations and agencies) that are trained to staff the EOC during a major incident, disaster or emergency.
The Emergency Support Response Team (ESRT) supports people displaced from their homes during an emergency. The team, in coordination with community partners like the Canadian Red Cross, addresses immediate needs such as shelter, food and clothing.
Depending on the type and severity of the emergency, ESRT may activate its Rapid Emergency Support Terminal (REST). The City has a long-term REST facility, which provides a safe place to meet the specific needs of evacuees. Services provided at the REST can include coordination of accommodations, essential supplies, medical assistance and pet services.
If you are impacted by an emergency and a reception centre or REST is established, it is important to register at the facility even if you don’t need assistance. Emergency responders use the registration process to make sure affected people are safe and accounted for.
As a major municipality, the City of Edmonton is often called upon by the province to support individuals evacuating their communities due to wildfires, floods and other emergencies. The City is proud to support its neighbours and will continue this support as needed. The City is reimbursed for all costs incurred while operating a reception centre or REST when requested by another municipality or the province.
In 2024, ESRT operated 2 RESTs for wildfire evacuees and responded to 62 calls for service. The team provided 6,198 displaced people with temporary emergency accommodation and 5,343 with additional support.
The City Manager is the Director of the Agency, which consists of the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Management and Planning, the Office of Emergency Management, the Deputy City Managers, the City Solicitor, the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief.
The Mayor is the Chair and all City Councillors are members of the Emergency Advisory Committee.
The Office of Emergency Management provides strategic policy direction and leadership to the City of Edmonton’s Business Continuity Management Program. The program coordinates proactive pre-planning which helps City departments anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions. It provides a roadmap for continuing operations under adverse conditions and during disruptions caused by all types of incidents, emergencies and crises.