Alberta RCMP and Search and Rescue Alberta share outdoor safety tips for National Emergency Preparedness Week

May 7, 2026 - Edmonton, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Edmonton – May 3-9, 2026, is Emergency Preparedness Week. Together, the Alberta RCMP and Search and Rescue (SAR) Alberta are sharing outdoor safety tips following this year’s campaign theme: “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.” 

With the weather warming up, many Albertans will be spending time outside in our parks and backcountry. However you choose to enjoy the great outdoors, it’s important that you understand the risks wherever you are trekking to help be better prepared in case of emergency. 

• Research your hiking route in advance. Use accurate information from guidebooks, satellite images, topographical maps and trail reports on AlbertaParks.ca to inform your trip. 
• Leave your itinerary with someone you trust. Include your route, when you’ll return, who you’ll be with, emergency contacts and vehicle details, including your license plate number. 
• Cell service is not available in many parks and backcountry recreational areas. Always carry a satellite communicator when going outside cell service areas. To report an emergency once in an area with cell service, call 911. 
• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially if trekking at night.
• Pack appropriate equipment for whatever activity. This includes proper footwear; extra layers of clothing including a hat or toque; protection from the sun, wind and insects; a life jacket; a flashlight; food and water; as well as a tarp and some rope for an emergency shelter. 
• Whether you’re in the woods or out on the water, check local forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes and inclement weather.
• Always be prepared to spend an unexpected night outdoors due to an emergency. It may take hours for search and rescue personnel to reach you, depending on your location, terrain and weather conditions.

“Planning and preparedness are your best defence in emergency situations,” says Cst. S.J, Alberta RCMP. “As Albertans head outside this spring and summer, we encourage everyone to take the time to understand the risks and carry the right equipment. Being prepared not only helps keep you safe, but it also supports first responders and our search and rescue partners when minutes truly matter.”

“Exploring all that our province offers is an incredible experience and the best way to keep that experience positive is by being prepared. Leaving a detailed trip plan with a trusted person results in a quicker search and rescue response when you really need it. Help us help you,” says Christian Stenner, South Central Regional Director, SAR Alberta.

SAR Alberta is the provincial association for 33 highly trained volunteer search and rescue teams across the province. It is responsible for the coordination of ground and inland water search and rescue incidents under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services in the province of Alberta.

For more information on outdoor safety, follow our Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and X @RCMPAlberta.

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