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Preparing for an emergency: Be Red Cross Ready

Preparing for an emergency comes down to assessment, preparation, and execution
Emergency prep
Ready for disaster - checking off the items on the emergency preparedness form. (Getty Images)

Since 1896, Red Cross volunteers have been helping Canadians through disasters with food, shelter and often a shoulder. It is time we make a plan to help the Red Cross.

Are you ready if a disaster hits? 

Imagine the police showed up at your home at 3 a.m. with an evacuation order and you had to vacate immediately, would you be ready? Most of us would not be able to grab a bag, lock the door and walk away. The reality is that we are not prepared for any emergency let alone prepare a basic emergency kit or a “bug-out bag.”

There are three main areas to look at when preparing for an emergency — assessment, preparation, and execution. The Red Cross has made it easy at www.redcross.ca/ready with free downloadable materials. 

Assessment: know and understand the risks in your area. What natural disasters can happen in your community? Have there been tornados, flash flooding or wildfires? You will need to organise yourself for specific types of emergencies.

Preparation: the Red Cross has an action plan on their website making it simple to follow for every type of family. This action plan covers escape routes, medical information and even pet information. Consider printing this off and keeping a copy in your bug-out bag, or have everyone take photos of the information and store it on their phones for easy reference. The action plan can be downloaded online

Have a bag or an emergency kit ready with the essentials for a full three days. These kits should take into account the different needs for each member of the family, including all pets in the home. A backpack makes it easy to carry but any container with a lid will do.

Some items to consider:

  • non-perishable food
  • water
  • medications
  • clothing
  • personal hygiene products
  • toilet paper and tissues

A full list to build a kit can be downloaded from the Red Cross website. You may also want to consider downloading the Red Cross First Aid App

Execution: How do you know when it is time to leave? Listen to the Internet, radio, or television media outlets to keep up-to-date with any warnings for your region. If an evacuation alert is given, then get ready. Have your belongings packed. If there is an evacuation order, you are to leave. Follow the routes and instructions given by the authorities to aid them in your family's safety.

Take the time to make a plan to help the Red Cross help your family. 

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