When a fire is discovered, call the fire department immediately! Red Deer County has implemented a provincial 9-1-1 service, for its ratepayers. This means help is contacted immediately, reducing the overall response times. Here are some things you can do ahead of time to ensure proper information is given to the 911 operator should you ever require emergency help. Prepare the following information and post by your phone.

• your name
• your phone number
• your legal land description or rural address
• your subdivision name, if applicable
• the township and range road intersection which you live closest to
• which township and range road your driveway is on
• which direction your driveway turns off the road: north, south, east, west
• color of your home
• any buildings or objects that make your yard unique compared to neighbors around you
• can the yard site be seen from the County road?

Remember you may not be placing the call. The call may be made by a babysitter or guest that is staying at your residence. They may not know this information if it is not written down. The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for the emergency department to arrive at your location promptly.

• choose a firesafe location and build firesafe structures when building your home, and out buildings
• provide adequate roadways in and out of your property to ensure emergency vehicles room to enter, and turn around
• consult local fire officials and find out what fire protection is available
• clearly mark your home's location so emergency services can find you

• install and maintain smoke detectors, by checking batteries and testing every month.
• consider installing automatic sprinklers
• create a safety zone extending at least 30 feet in all directions around your house and other structures
• maintain ample safety exits, each room should have 2 means of escape
• be sure electrical wiring is inspected, replace any worn or frayed electrical/extension cords
• do not burn household trash in outdoor incinerators
• stack firewood away from your house or out buildings

• never permit smoking in barns or near storage of any flammable materials, post "no smoking" signs in hazardous areas
• store petroleum products (tanks) at least 40 feet (12 meters) from any building
• never refuel an engine while it is hot or running, be sure the motor is cool and shut off
• always refuel equipment outdoors
• spontaneous ignition of hay and other crops can be a cause of many fires, ensure all crops are dry and properly cured before storing
• check regularly for other spontaneous heating such as manure piles, or oily or paint covered rags
• equip all buildings with lightning rods
• never use fumigants near an open flame or electrical equipment