The Resort Village of Candle Lake (RVCL) Emergency Management Plan was updated and approved by RVCL Council in fall 2025. The Plan provides guidance for the Resort Village to respond effectively to an incident or major emergency.
This document will not prevent or reduce the possibility of a disaster or emergency occurring. It will aid in providing a prompt and coordinated multi-agency response, thereby reducing human suffering and loss or damage to property or the environment.
The Plan and corresponding documents will be reviewed and maintained on an annual basis to ensure procedures and processes are current and accurate.
The Resort Village of Candle Lake (RVCL) Emergency Management Plan
For questions about the Emergency Management Plan please contact the RVCL Emergency Measures Coordinator Sheryl Spence at Sherylspcn@gmail.com
Are you Prepared?
Winter Preparedness
Spending time outdoors in the winter season is good for your health and can be a lot of fun. But you need to be aware and prepared for our cold and severe winter weather. Winter weather conditions in Saskatchewan can quickly become dangerous with little or no warning.
Winter emergency preparedness focuses on home, vehicle, and personal readiness for power outages, extreme cold, and travel disruptions, requiring supplies like water, food, warm gear, first aid, backup heat/power, and knowing to stay informed and safe, especially regarding carbon monoxide risks. Key actions include securing homes against cold, preparing car kits (shovel, traction aid, blankets), having multi-day survival supplies (food, water, meds), and prioritizing generator safety and CO detector use.
Home Preparedness
Insulate & Seal: Caulk windows/doors, insulate walls/attics to keep heat in. - Heating & Power: Service heating systems; have backup heat (fireplace, space heater) and a generator (use outdoors only, far from windows), fuel for the generator.
- Water: Know how to shut off water; freeze water in containers to keep food cold during outages.
- Supplies: 3-day+ supply of water/food, medications, first aid, flashlight, radio, batteries, fire extinguisher.
- Safety: Install/test Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors with battery backup; avoid using gas ovens for heat; clean chimneys.
Personal Safety
- Stay Warm & Safe Indoors. Layer Up: Wear multiple layers of loose clothing, waterproof outer layers, hats, mittens or gloves to retain body heat, and warm socks/boots.
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts via radio or reliable apps.
- Avoid Travel: Stay home if possible; if traveling, tell someone your route and have your car kit ready.
- Home Heating Safety: Only use generators and grills outdoors; never heat your home with a gas oven or stovetop to avoid fires and carbon monoxide.
- Install Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors and know the signs of poisoning (dizziness, headache). CO is a poisonous gas that can cause illness, hospitalization, and death. It has no odour or colour, so it can be a silent killer.
- Emergency Kit (Home): Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, first aid, flashlight, batteries, radio, medications, whistle, blankets.
- Don’t forget to check on vulnerable neighbours and have a family communication plan. Examples of family Communication plans can be found in the Candle Lake Emergency Plan.
Winter Driving Preparedness (Vehicle Emergency Car Kit)
- Warmth: Blankets, hats, mittens, warm layers.
- Tools: Shovel, scraper, jumper cables, sand/cat litter for traction, tow rope, tire chains.
- Survival: Water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, radio, fully charged phone, phone charger, road maps.
- Emergency: Flares/reflectors, can be used to melt snow for water.
- Stay Informed: Check road conditions before travel; avoid driving if possible during severe storms.
Power Outages
Winter storms may bring power outages that can disrupt communications, utilities and complicate medical needs.
If the power goes out:
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. Doing so can put you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odour, colour or texture.
- Have alternate plans for medications or medical devices if they require refrigeration or depend on power.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Check with your local officials to locate the nearest community location with power if you can’t safely heat your home.
Generator Safety
Portable generators can be useful but can cause injuries and death if not used safely.
If you’re using a generator, remember these tips:
- Never use generators indoors. ONLY use them outside, in well-ventilated areas away from doors, windows and vents. Make sure your generator exhaust is pointed away from your home and is at least 20 feet from your house and/or garage before using.
- Do not use a generator in a wet area. This practice may lead to shocks or electrocution.
- Do not fuel your generator while it is running. Spilling gas on a hot engine can cause a fire.
Protect Your Pets 
- Know Their Limits: Adjust outdoor time based on your pet's tolerance, especially for seniors or young animals.
- Bring Pets Inside: Keep cats and dogs indoors during cold weather; all breeds are vulnerable to cold, not just short-haired ones.
- Watch for Cold Stress: Watch for shivering, whining, anxiety, or weakness, signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
- Clean & Dry Paws: Wipe paws with a damp towel after walks to remove ice, salt, and chemicals, preventing irritation and ingestion.
- Avoid Metal Bowls: Metal bowls can freeze to a pet's tongue; use plastic or heated bowls for outdoor water.
Know Your Alerts
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