Nepal earthquake a stark reminder of need to be ready

Canada is not immune to disasters, as we saw with the Alberta floods and the Lac-Mégantic train derailment in 2013.

As the Red Cross continues to its efforts to help Nepal deal with and recover from the recent devastating earthquake, we mark Emergency Preparedness Week (May 3-9) here in Canada by encouraging everyone to be ready.

At the Red Cross, being ready means constantly assessing risks, and planning for a catastrophic event that could arrive with little or no warning. Red Cross Emergency Response Units are at the ready, and can provide support with critical needs like shelter and health care wherever they’re needed.

Across Canada, regular training exercises give Red Cross volunteers and staff a chance to put their skills to the test in simulated disasters. In British Columbia, more than 60 Red Cross volunteers and staff recently took part in a scenario that involved setting up a mass shelter to house people in the aftermath of a catastrophe.

“We were able to use a large fire hall as an emergency shelter and simulate challenges that could arise in the event of a disaster like a devastating earthquake,” said Elysia Dempsey with Red Cross Disaster Management in B.C. “This kind of practice will help make our response more effective if and when it happens for real.”

{^youtubevideo|(width)560|(height)340|(rel)False|(autoplay)False|(fs)True|(url)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_AzmhicovM|(loop)False^}

Still, it’s important to remember the first 72 hours following a disaster can be uncertain and chaotic for everyone, including for emergency providers. New information on the disaster is coming from all angles, all the time. Infrastructure, such as roads, airports and railways, as well as communications conduits may all have been impacted. Food and water may be scarce and power may be out for extended periods of time.

Taking the following three steps can help Canadians be ready for those first 72 hours.

Know the risks
What are the risks in your community? What is the chance of an earthquake where you live? Are you on the coasts, where a hurricane or typhoon can hit? Or are you on the prairies, and at risk of tornadoes? What about forest fires, or even flooding? Across the country, winter storms or summer heat waves are a possibility for everyone.

Make a plan
What would you do if a disaster strikes? If you were without power for more than a day, would you be able to manage? If you had to evacuate your home, where would you go? How would your family members find you if you were separated? Have a plan, and practice it. Know what your community’s emergency plans are.

Get a kit
As noted, the first 72 hours following a disaster are often the hardest ones. That’s why having enough food, water and supplies to last you three days is vital. Remember to also include medications, and other personal necessities. You should also prepare a grab and go bag or kit that’s easily accessible, in the event that you have to evacuate your home in a hurry.

Following these three steps can make a huge difference for you, your family and your neighbours. Learn more at www.redcross.ca/ready.