City of Edmonton

05/08/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2026 10:30

Get Ready in the Park returns to help Edmontonians prepare for emergencies

May 8, 2026

Disasters can happen at any moment and often with little warning.

To help Edmonton residents be prepared for anything, the 17th Annual Get Ready in the Park returns May 9 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre Grounds, hosted by the City of Edmonton's Office of Emergency Management.

"Emergency preparedness is our shared responsibility and Get Ready in the Park allows Edmontonians of all ages to connect with and learn from the frontline responders that keep our communities safe," said Mayor Andrew Knack. "This yearly event brings partner agencies from across the province together in a comfortable, interactive environment and within full reach of residents to ask questions, learn life-saving skills, and understand even the smallest actions we can take to be emergency prepared. The City of Edmonton is ready for anything, and we want our residents to be ready too."

Get Ready in the Park is a free, family-friendly event that showcases nearly 50 agencies from the regional emergency response community. Attendees will learn how to plan for emergencies and prepare emergency kits that can sustain their loved ones for 72-hours.

"The City of Edmonton's goal is to ensure that every Edmontonian has the tools to be self-sufficient during a crisis," said Graeme McAlister, Deputy Fire Chief of Community Safety & Risk, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. "By bringing together our regional partners, Get Ready in the Park offers an opportunity for residents to see how we coordinate our efforts while learning practical steps to strengthen their own household plans."

Families attending the event will have the opportunity to explore emergency vehicles on site including fire trucks, ambulances and helicopters; see search-and-rescue dogs in action and most importantly, speak directly with first responders.

Get Ready in the Park, held each year during Canada's Emergency Preparedness Week, comes at a critical time as Alberta enters wildfire season. It will highlight the City's robust Emergency Management Program and its ability to respond quickly to large-scale threats.

"With wildfire season approaching, Get Ready Park is a powerful reminder that preparedness starts with practical, everyday steps," said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management, Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. "By building a plan, assembling a 72-hour kit, and staying informed, families can better protect themselves and support their communities. Our government is focused on strengthening resilience and ensuring Canadians have the tools and knowledge they need to respond when it matters most."

"Edmontonians know that when emergencies strike, we are stronger when we are prepared," said Mike Ellis, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Government of Alberta. "I want to thank the City of Edmonton's Office of Emergency Management for hosting this 17th edition and for their ongoing commitment to regional safety."

Get Ready In the Park starts at 10 a.m. There is limited paid parking available at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Edmonton Transit Service will provide free shuttles between Coliseum Transit Centre and the EXPO Centre south gate.
City of Edmonton published this content on May 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 08, 2026 at 16:30 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]