Despite powerful winds sweeping through Cold Lake on May 7, community members turned out in strong numbers for the Emergency Preparedness Barbecue hosted by Cold Lake and District FCSS at the FCSS building.
Held during Emergency Preparedness Week, the event brought together local first responders, community agencies, and residents to connect, learn, and raise awareness about how to stay ready for emergencies.
“This is probably about our fifth year doing this barbecue,” said FCSS Manager Kim Schmidtz, explaining that the event was created “in support of Emergency Preparedness Week for the City of Cold Lake. And it’s just grown beautifully.”
Cold Lake Fire Chief Jeff Fallow said the department sees the value in the event every year. “We come and support it. And we invite neighbouring agencies and mutual aid people that we work with,” he said.
“We've made some huge strides in the last few years of bringing our emergency management program forward and the fire services has been building over years and years and years.”
Fallow said the event was a valuable chance to connect with the public and hear their questions, which could impact emergency services.
This year’s event included participation from Cold Lake First Nations, Cold Lake Search and Rescue, and other agencies.
Nathan Jacknife, director of Emergency Operations for Cold Lake First Nations, said being involved is essential. “More so just to be a part of the community for us is a big thing. As a smaller nation, we have a different operational capacity that we’re trying our best to increase with the help of our partners in the city.”
He noted that recent evacuations in Alberta, where residents were told to leave with just one hour’s notice, highlight why emergency preparedness is urgent. “That is a shock to the system, and I think with the work that is being done here today it gives all of our residents a bit of a heads-up that this is a reality that will affect us.”
Carol St. Onge, Cold Lake First Nations special projects coordinator, said shared training helps agencies respond better together. “We’re all getting trained and bringing everyone up to the same level, so everyone speaks the same language.” She added, “Teamwork and that preparedness saves lives. Statistics tell us that all the time.”
Education was front and center at the event. FCSS staff offered information on how to build 72-hour emergency kits, what essentials to pack, and how to consider factors like medication and pets in evacuation plans.
The importance of planning ahead was echoed by Chris Vandenborn, secretary for the Cold Lake Search and Rescue Society, “That little bit of investment at the front can save who knows how many people at the back end.”
Beyond public education, the event also strengthened bonds between emergency partners.
“I think an event like this, too, shows people that you know people who work in these areas of service are getting to know each other, are partnering, are talking,” said Schmidtz. “It loans a type of confidence... that people know that we’re working and building relationships.”
That collaboration matters, especially as Cold Lake continues to support communities across the region during crises.
Fallow noted, “Boyle is looking for assistance. Some of us are part of a hazardous materials team (HMT), so I know our zone just sent six over to help out... Kim set up reception centers. You guys have done it at your end - you posted evacuees from Saskatchewan. So, I hate to say we're getting good at it, but we are.”
