Red Cross Supports Disaster Preparedness Initiative of PEI First Nations
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Roseanne Sark, health policy analyst with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island, along with chiefs Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation and Brian Francis of Abegweit First Nation take delivery of Red Cross disaster preparedness kits for their communities from Tanya Mullally, Red Cross disaster management and community development in PEI. | |
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The Confederacy has ordered 250 disaster preparedness kits that contain some of the basic items a household needs for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency or disaster. It will distribute the Red Cross kits to households in both the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations communities.
“Disasters can strike anywhere, anytime and considering how prone we are in PEI to problems caused by severe weather, each and every Islander has a responsibility to be prepared,” said Marcia Carroll, regional director for PEI of the Canadian Red Cross.
“So we are obviously delighted to be able to support this initiative by the Confederacy to ensure Lennox Island and Abegweit residents are better prepared by having these personal preparedness kits in each home.”
Lennox Island was particularly hard hit by an ice storm this winter that left residents without power for up to six days. It was one of several locations where Red Cross disaster assistance volunteers provided cots, blankets and comfort items for a temporary shelter during the outage.
"The recent ice storm was a difficult time for most of PEI, in particular Lennox Island and our community members rallied together to meet this challenge," said Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation, on behalf of Chief Brian Francis of Abegweit First Nation and MCPEI.
"We are pleased to work closely with Canadian Red Cross to continue to ensure members of PEI First Nations are prepared to face emergencies and challenges in the future."
Each Red Cross kits contain over 80 items stored in a lightweight backpack to help a household through an emergency. Some of the basics include a wind-up radio and flashlight that does not need batteries, a mini first aid kit, whistle, water container, and a disaster planning guide. The backpack itself is a bright red colour with reflective clips to make it easy to find, even in the dark.
