Mock disaster staged to test response

First Nations, along with representatives from all levels of government, industry, and emergency management agencies, participated in an exercise that simulated an ice storm sweeping across the province, bringing mass casualties, derailments, collapsing buildings and power outages. The emergency management exercise, aimed at testing the government’s response to potential disasters, is held annually but this year’s was the largest and most complex yet, said Municipal Affairs Minister Diana McQueen. The mock ice storm took place at the end of February as a live exercise in Thorhild, as well as a virtual exercise in eight other Alberta communities. Students enrolled in NAIT’s Emergency Management course also participated, getting hands-on experience. The government also urged Albertans to be aware of the risks and to have emergency kits available.