Emergency preparedness: Tips for preparing your family
Recent disasters around the world, and here in Canada, have demonstrated the importance of communities preparing for emergencies of all types. This Emergency Preparedness Week, the Canadian Red Cross is encouraging Canadians to know the risks in their community, make a plan for their family and make (or buy) an emergency preparedness kit.
- Contact your local Red Cross office to learn more about risks in your community – the types of natural and technological disasters that are most likely to happen.
- Talk to your friends, family and co-workers about emergency preparedness. Develop the plans you need to make sure you are ready.
- Make or buy an emergency preparedness kit to sustain your family for 72 hours. By taking some time now to store emergency food, water and other supplies, you can provide for your entire family. Preparing for an emergency can be an activity for the whole family.
- Volunteer to help your neighbours and co-workers get prepared, and consider volunteering for your local Red Cross.
- Be a leader in your community. Educate others by teaching the importance of emergency preparedness and by encouraging groups to coordinate their efforts. Contact your local Red Cross office if you’d like to arrange a presentation.
- Take a first aid course. Hands-on training will teach you how to respond to emergencies and provide first aid with confidence. Contact your local Red Cross office for information.
Remember, emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Experience has shown that personal preparedness goes a long way towards communities being able to cope better – both during and after a major disaster. Learn more»
