Preparedness (Page 17)

Last summer, we had a few tornado scares in Southern Alberta. Working at the Red Cross, I felt as though I was prepared to stay safe. However, I learned that there are actually a lot of myths around tornado safety. Learn more about some of the most common ones. 

Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 1 - 7, and we are encouraging you to show us how you’re prepared by sharing photos of emergency kit items that are tailored for you. In every kit, there are the basic essentials, such as water, flashlight, and blankets, but we want to know what makes your kit special!

Starting from May, and continuing through the summer months, forest fires are more likely to occur across the country with British Columbia and the Boreal forest zones of Ontario, Quebec, the Prairie Provinces, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories most at risk. Each year, there are approximately 8,000 forest fires in Canada, causing extensive damage and putting lives in danger. Now is the time to learn how to be ready before, during and after a forest fire.

I had no idea how damaging water was to a house until I saw my parent’s home in Burlington flooded a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, while spring brings flowers and warmth, it also brings increased risk of flooding due to melting snow and precipitation. In Canada, it is one of the most common disasters so take a few minutes to learn how to be prepared for flood season.

This week the Nicaraguan Red Cross conducted a training with their staff and volunteers in organizing and operating Emergency Operations Centres. 

The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.

As a young teenager, I remember the thrill of finally being old enough to babysit younger children in the neighbourhood, but I also remember the fear. Not only did I have to keep young minds entertained for hours on end, I had to be able to properly care for these young kids, and it was solely my responsibility.

Earthquakes don’t come with built in warning systems. For millions of people in many of B.C.’s largest cities, Tuesday’s quake was a wake up call. What will yours be?