Premier says fine-tuning needed for alert system after miscommunicated Jasper evacuation timing
Alberta's premier says changes are needed to the province's emergency alert system after incorrect information was shared about the Jasper evacuation on Monday night.
An emergency alert communication from the province at 10:18 p.m. indicated the wildfire south of the community would reach the town in five hours.
At 11:09 p.m., the following update was posted:
"The fire is NOT expected to reach the community in five hours. The town should be evacuated in five hours."
Danielle Smith said the information came directly from the Town of Jasper, and it is the first time the town had used the system.
"We may need to just have an additional step just to make sure that when information is going out is communicated accurately so that it doesn't cause that kind of panic," she told reporters on Tuesday, adding she was frightened and stressed by the first message.
A screenshot of an Alberta Emergency Alert that was posted as part of the Jasper wildfire evacuation on July 22, 2024. (Source: Alberta Emergency Alerts)
Communications expert Dean Heuman says it's critical that emergency information is vetted and up to date to avoid causing panic.
"There really are a lot of challenges in getting out good information. But vital, clear information is the difference between an orderly evacuation and it could possibly be the difference between life and death," Heuman told CTV News Edmonton on Tuesday.
"A real challenge for all communicators is misinformation and how fast that can multiply."
The mayor of Jasper did not respond to CTV News Edmonton's interview requests.
On Tuesday evening, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency said the Municipality of Jasper would "no longer be updating" its wildfire situation via the alert system. Instead, it said people should refer to the municipality's website, its Facebook page and to local media for more evacuation information.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Chelan Skulski
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7028745.1725663146!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Pakistani citizen arrested in Canada, charged with plotting terrorist attack in New York
A Pakistani citizen who resided in Canada has been charged with plotting a terrorist attack at a Jewish centre in New York City.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside Winnipeg courthouse
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died after collapsing outside of the Manitoba courthouse Friday afternoon, according to multiple sources.
Woman who was denied a liver transplant, after review highlighted alcohol use, has died
Questions are being raised about the case of a 36-year-old Ontario woman who died of liver failure after she was rejected for a life-saving liver transplant after a medical review highlighted her prior alcohol use.
Montreal man given $664 fine for tying dog to parking meter while grabbing a croissant
A Montreal man who tied his dog to a parking meter while he entered a bakery is now facing a hefty fine for breaking a law he had no idea existed.
Canada-wide warrant issued for woman in fatal Toronto shooting
A 36-year-old woman is wanted for first-degree murder following a shooting near an after-hours club in Toronto earlier this month.
Molson Coors ends diversity, equity and inclusion policies, moves to 'broader view'
Brewing company Molson Coors says it is dropping its diversity, equity and inclusion policies and taking a 'broader view' in which all employees know they are welcome.
Selena Gomez is a billionaire
Selena Gomez can now add becoming a billionaire to her long list of achievements.
Teen girl charged with attempted murder after student set on fire at Saskatoon high school
A 14-year-old girl faces an attempted murder charge after a 15-year-old girl was doused in a flammable substance and set on fire at a Saskatoon high school Thursday.
Victim of Vancouver stranger attacks had surgery to reattach severed hand: police
The surviving victim of a pair of stranger attacks in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday has undergone surgery to reattach his hand after it was severed in the assault, according to police.