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Whether you know a kid who is naturally clumsy or precociously adventurous, these tips and resources will help keep them safe.

Over the past few weeks, thousands of people have had to evacuate their homes as a result of the spring floods in Quebec and parts of Ontario. Now that the water is beginning to withdraw in some regions, those evacuated by flooding may begin to re-enter their homes. Here are 8 safety precautions to follow when you return home.

Several provinces including Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia are on heightened alert for flooding as a result of high water levels that are putting several communities at risk.

Sometimes first aid means checking an unresponsive patient’s airway, breathing and circulation. Sometimes it means recognizing the symptoms that could lead to self harm, or supporting someone through a panic attack.
“We always say if someone is hurt, we can help them,” says Diane Story, who has been a first aid educator at the Red Cross for almost 40 years, adding that this doesn’t always mean physically. “Sometimes they are hurt in a different way.”

When people are facing an emergency or disaster, there’s a natural desire to seek as much information as one can find, as there’s an urgency to take action. Knowledge is empowering. It helps people make the best possible decision for their family, such as how to prepare for the disaster, whether to evacuate, when to remain safely at home, where to go, and what services are available. Knowledge also alleviates fear of the unknown.

For many Canadians, spring can be a welcome sight. Many of us are yearning to put away our winter boots and shovels, see flowers bloom instead of snow fall, and enjoy warmer weather. Yet with warming climates, spring can also bring an increased risk of flooding. Flooding can be a serious issue for Canadian families so we want to help you prepare for any flooding in your home or community with these resources and tips.

Last June, Catherine Sonpon came home to find her Surrey apartment building surrounded by fire trucks. The rental suite she shared with her young family had been gutted by fire.
“I remember feeling sadness and pain,” said Sonpon. “My family was safe, and material losses are not as important, but I was still sad to lose all our stuff. You never know when you may need help.”

With spring nearing, many of us winter-worn Canadians are looking forward to warmer temperatures. While spring is in the air, it’s still important to keep ice safety in mind, especially as milder weather affects most ice conditions.