Canadian Red Cross encourages everyone to take action this Emergency Preparedness Week

An emergency can happen anytime and anywhere, which is why it’s important to always be prepared.  As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, an annual campaign led by Public Safety Canada from May 7 – 13 this year, the Canadian Red Cross is encouraging people to be better prepared for emergencies.
 
“It is important for people to take the time to assess for any potential emergency situations their households or communities may face, and then make a plan in case something occurs,” said Amy Avis, Chief of Emergencies at the Canadian Red Cross. “Whether it’s a house fire, power outage, or an extreme weather event like floods or wildfires, it’s vital to know what hazards may affect you and take steps to prepare for whatever comes your way.”
 
Before an emergency occurs, the Canadian Red Cross recommends three key steps: Know the Risks, Make a Plan, and Build a Kit.
 
KNOW THE RISKS
Find out what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in your community. Monitor your local weather through television, radio, or online, or sign up for weather alerts on mobile apps.
Individuals and families are also encouraged to connect with their local municipality and insurer to become familiar with local risks, learn how to reduce risk, and understand what their insurance plans cover in the event of damage, such as flooding.
 
MAKE A PLAN
Meet with your family or household members and discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work, and play. Determine the best ways to evacuate your home in case of an emergency, such as a house fire, and practice your evacuation plan frequently. Make sure everyone in the house knows the location of your emergency kit.
 
BUILD A KIT
People are encouraged to build a kit that is self-sustaining for their household for up to three days (72 hours). Kits should include practical items such as drinking water, food (plus can opener), cash, and a portable radio. They should also include items that are unique to your own families’ needs. This could include baby items, medical prescriptions, pet food, and toiletries.
 
Being prepared and having readily available resources will provide a safer environment for everyone. Additional tips for emergency preparedness planning can be found at www.redcross.ca/ready.
 
Additional Resources
@RedCrossCanada | facebook.com/CanadianRedCross | redcross.ca/blog  
Red Cross donor inquiries: WeCare@redcross.ca or 1-800-418-1111
 
About the Canadian Red Cross
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supporting them in strengthening their resilience.
 
MEDIA CONTACTS:
English: 1-877-599-9602
French: 1-888-418-9111