Are you prepared in times of emergency? Canadian families should have supplies and resources to take care of themselves in disasters until help arrives.
Take this short quiz to determine how prepared you are in case disaster strikes.
1. How long should you and your family be prepared to wait for emergency help to arrive?
| a) 24 hours | b) 48 hours |
| c) 72 hours | d) 1 hour |
2. True or False: Making and practicing a plan will help you be ready to deal with any emergencies that come your way.
3. How much water should you store for each individual per day during a disaster?
| a) 1 litre for drinking and 1 litre for washing | b) 2 litres for drinking and 2 litres for washing |
| c) 1 gallon for drinking and 1 litre for washing | d) we’ll be able to find water somewhere |
4. True or False: Canada gets more tornadoes than any other country with the exception of the United States.
5. True or False: If you are outside during a tornado warning, head to your car or mobile home.
6. Which is the most common and costly natural disaster in Canada?
| a) House fires | b) Hurricanes |
| c) Flooding | d) Thunderstorms |
7. Which of the following is important to know in case of an evacuation:
| a) know your community’s evacuation routes | b) know where emergency shelters are located |
| c) know what plans there are for evacuated pets | d) all of the above |
8. True or False: During a power outage, it is okay to use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment and home generators indoors.
9. If outside during a thunderstorm, the rule of 30/30 means:
| a) you have 30 seconds to seek shelter within 30 metres | b) you have better than 20/20 vision |
| c) if you count less than 30 seconds between lightning and thunder, you should move to an open field with no trees | d) if you count less than 30 seconds between lightning and thunder, seek shelter immediately and stay there for 30 minutes. |
10. Which one of the following items should not be in an emergency kit:
| a) battery-operated flashlight | b) cash in small bills |
| c) an electric can opener | d) duct tape |
How well did you do?
Here are the answers to the above quiz:
Question 1: c) 72 hours. There may be certain situations where you are not able to or it is not safe to evacuate your home, like a power outage, tornado or flu pandemic. You should be prepared to be self-sufficient in your home for 72 hours (or seven to 10 days in a health emergency).
Question 2: True. Making a plan is the second step (after knowing the risks in your community) in being ready in case of an emergency.
Question 3: b) 2 litres for drinking and 2 litres for washing. During an emergency, tap water can become polluted or supply may be cut off. Canadians should store two litres of drinking water and two litres of water for washing per person, per day. A 72-hour supply of water should always be kept on hand for family members and pets. Iit is important to rotate your water supply and add fresh water to your kit on a yearly basis.
Question 4: True. In 2013, there were 49 confirmed tornadoes that hit Canada, although that number has reached up to 80 in the past. Tornadoes typically occur in southern Alberta; Manitoba; Saskatchewan; southern Ontario; southern Quebec; the interior of British Columbia; and western New Brunswick. While tornado season is from April to September with peak months in June and July, they can occur at any time of year.
Question 5: False. If you’re outside during a tornado, head to a basement of a nearby sturdy building, or if there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or a low-lying area. If you’re in a car or a mobile home: get out immediately and head for safety. It’s unsafe to stay in your vehicle because it could be picked up, blown over or roll over you.
Question 6: c) Flooding. Floods are one of the most common and costly disasters in Canada. Floods occur when there is heavy or steady rain for several hours or days, which oversaturates the ground. All rivers in Canada experience flooding at one time or another. Hurricanes, violent storms, ice jams or dams breaking can also lead to flash flooding. The potential for flood damage is high where there is development on low-lying, flood-prone lands.
Question 7: d) all of the above. Know your community evacuation plan.
Question 8: False. Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors because they give off carbon monoxide. Find more information on power outages here.
Question 9: d) If outside during a thunderstorm, know the rule of 30/30. If you count less than 30 seconds between lightning and thunder, seek shelter immediately. Each second is equal to 300 metres. Under 30 seconds mean the strikes are within ten kilometres, and there is the potential for a strike in that area. You should then stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the storm ends.
Question 10: c) in times of emergency, there may be no power or electricity so pack only battery-operated or crank flashlights and radio, amongst many other items.
Find more information on being prepared in times of emergency on the Canadian Red Cross website.
To be prepared in the event of an emergency, know your risks, make a plan and have an emergency kit. Think ahead and be ready with the Canadian Red Cross disaster preparedness calculator app on Facebook.
From August 7-29, Walmart Canada is helping the Canadian Red Cross raise funds to assist people affected by emergencies in your community. You can support the campaign by making a donation at the checkout.
