Emergency Planning

Prince Albert National Park

Be prepared for all situations in Prince Albert National Park, including emergencies. In the event of an emergency in the park, know how you, your family, neighbours and employees will handle the situation in advance. It is easy to become confused or panicked in these moments - pre-planning will help keep you focused and act quickly when the unpredictable happens.

For the most up-to-date information and to ensure you are prepared for emergency, follow these steps:

1. Know the risks

Emergencies don’t take vacations. While visiting Prince Albert National Park, you may encounter emergency situations, including, but not limited to, infrastructure failure, natural disaster, severe weather, or security threats.

Help keep resources focused on emergency response and be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after an emergency. First responders will be focused on the situation and may take time to reach you or your family.

2. Make a plan

Get together with friends and family and create your emergency plan together. It is important to know what everyone will do in an emergency before it happens.

  • Know when and where to go if evacuated
  • Know what to bring
  • Fuel up - Always keep your gas tank in your vehicle full
  • Prepare for power and water shortages

Once completed, give everyone a copy and be sure to review it regularly.

As you write your plan, consider possible scenarios or the specific needs of your friends and family. For example, think about meeting locations outside of the national park if you are separated or telephone and internet services are down. Plan to take your pets with you and account for the specific needs of family members, like limited mobility or medical requirements.

3. Get an emergency kit

As part of your yearly planning, buy or put together an emergency kit. This will make it easier if you and your family must evacuate. Keep it somewhere where it is easy to get and light enough to lift it into a vehicle. 

4. Stay informed with official sources

Misinformation can spread quickly during an emergency. Stay informed by visiting official Prince Albert National Park social media Facebook and X, the Important Bulletins on the park website, and signing up for the e-newsletter. Please re-share only official Parks Canada issued information on your social media channels and websites.

Register with the Province of Saskatchewan before an emergency happens:

Wildfires

Safety is Parks Canada’s number one priority. Fire crews monitor Prince Albert National Park for wildfire starts and are ready to respond. Do your part and stay informed on current fire danger status and park regulations.

In the case of a wildfire:

  • Follow FireSmart Canada program helps reduce wildfire risks to homes, neighbourhoods, critical infrastructure, and vital natural resources. Remove any fire hazards in and around your home, such as dried out branches, leaves and debris.
  • Report a wildfire, illegal campfire or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Dispatch: 1-877-852-3100.
  • For information on wildfires outside the national park see the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency information.

Evacuations

Some emergencies may require Parks Canada to order an evacuation. You will be informed of potential evacuations as early as possible. Support will be provided to those who need it during evacuations. A reception centre may be established for those requiring assistance, such as transportation out of the park or accommodation, if appropriate.

Parks Canada will issue two kinds of notices. Know the difference.

Evacuation Alert

An Evacuation Alert means there is a significant threat in the area. Be prepared to evacuate immediately if an Evacuation Order is issued. If you are ready to leave, please do so.

Some emergencies may require moving quickly from an Evacuation Alert to an Evacuation Order.

Evacuation Order

An Evacuation Order means danger in the area is imminent and life threatening. When an Evacuation Order is in effect, for your safety, you must leave the area immediately.

This may follow an Evacuation Alert or have little or no advanced warning.

How to evacuate

Legend

This Evacuation Map depicts the entire townsite of Waskesiu from a bird’s eye view, including campgrounds and the golf course. The area is divided into the following evacuation zones:

  • Zone 1 in red: Beaver Glen Campground
  • Zone 2 in yellow: Red Deer Campground
  • Zone 3 in black: Kapasiwin, Lost Creek Resort, and a third area not visible on the map
  • Zone 4 in dark blue: Fern, Lily and Orchid Street, and Baker’s Cabins
  • Zone 5 in light green: Bittern to Cormorant Street
  • Zone 6 in pink: Bird street, Lakeview Drive to Pelican Street
  • Zone 7 in dark green: Business area (Willow Street to Lakeview Drive including the Waskesiu Recreation Association)
  • Zone 8 in orange: Montreal Drive from Elk Street to Grouse Street
  • Zone 9 in light blue: Prospect Point, between hole 10 and 11 (The 10th Hole snack shop), 13 and 14, and 17 and 18 of the Waskesiu Golf Course
  • Zone 10 in brown: Main Beach, Main Beach parking lot and Disc Golf course

If and when an evacuation alert or order is called, please:

  • Follow all instructions shared on Sask-Alerts, and posted on the Important Bulletins on the Prince Albert National Park website and on official Parks Canada social media accounts (Facebook, X)
  • Ensure you, your family, pets and guests are evacuated from your business, residence or campsite
  • Turn off any propane
  • Empty garbage, fridge and freezer if time permits
  • Close and lock all windows and doors
  • Follow directions by Parks Canada personnel

The nearest gas station is LT’s Food and Fuel at the junction of Highway 264 and Highway 2 or Christopher Lake and Northside on Highway 2.

The town of Waskesiu is divided into several evacuation zones. Know which zone you are staying or working in. First responders will use these zones to identify which parts of Waskesiu will be evacuated. Evacuations may be specific to zones or community wide.

For more information about emergency preparedness, please visit https://www.getprepared.gc.ca or https://www.saskpublicsafety.ca

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