How the Canadian Red Cross is Helping
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting communities impacted throughout the 2023 Alberta Wildfire season. As of November 1, more than 120 community groups have received grants from the Canadian Red Cross through its Immediate Support to Not-for-Profit Organizations program. This support helps to meet the urgent needs identified in communities impacted by the fires.
Support for Households impacted by the Alberta Wildfires
The Canadian Red Cross is offering a
program to provide financial incentives for a range of mitigative activities to help Alberta residents located in areas impacted by the 2023 Alberta Wildfires. Please click here to find out more about the program.
You will be asked to register and fill out an application form to tell us a little but more about how you were impacted, as well as what type of mitigative activities you would like to take on.
There are a range of activities to choose from, such as home maintenance activities that should be done annually to reduce your risk, to more substantial projects to increase your home’s resilience to wildfires and extreme heat events. Depending on which activities you choose and complete, your household may be eligible for up to $3,000 to help with the associated costs.
If your home was destroyed or incurred major damage as a result of the wildfires, you will be able to access personalized recovery support through a Red Cross case manager. Please let us know if you are interested in this service in the application form.
This program recognizes that applicants may be homeowners, tenants, or those residing in community-owned homes. All are welcome to apply.
Other Support Programs
The Canadian Red Cross is working to develop additional programming to help support communities impacted by the 2023 Alberta Wildfires. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
After Wildfires
- Review the step-by-step Canadian Red Cross Guide to Wildfire Recovery for information on what to do when you return home after wildfires.
- Home Inventory Checklist: a list of your home inventory which is helpful both for insurance and other assistance programs. In the case of an insurance claim, an insurance provider would use a similar form to assess the cost to repair or replace lost or damaged items. These items are referred to as home contents.
- Substantial Repair and Reconstruction Contract Checklist: Hiring a contractor for damage or rebuild? Use this checklist with tips as a guide when reviewing the contract prior to signing with a contractor.
Wellbeing and Coping with Crisis
Following an emergency or disaster, a person may experience a range of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can be intense, confusing, and frightening. These experiences trigger responses that can include physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions.
There are many resources to help you, your family, and your community. Learn more about Coping with Crisis, including ways that you can care for yourself and your loved ones during an emergency.
If you are concerned for the immediate safety or yourself or someone else, call a local crisis support line or 911 right away. Additional resources are listed below and specialized crisis lines and services can also be found here.