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As Canadians, we know winter storms, including blizzards, ice storms and extreme cold, are common this time of year. Some of the risks related to winter weather include extended power outages, treacherous driving conditions and frigid temperatures. Are you and your family prepared for a weather-related emergency?

Did you know you can find lots of gift ideas online through Shop Red Cross? Instead of buying your brother yet another ugly Christmas sweater, why not give him an emergency preparedness kit with essential items in case of a disaster.

Think of it as a way of showing how much you care about him and his family. It’s also reassuring to know they will be ready in an emergency.

Approximately 90 newcomers including Syrian refugees attended the Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Preparedness Picnic last weekend in Stratford, Prince Edward Island. With barbecued food, good company, fun games as well as information on water safety, it was a great day for all who took part in the event held at Pondside Park. Check out these great photos from the day!

Update: The Be Ready app is no longer supported as of the end of 2020. Find out apps and resources for up-to-date information and alerts. 

 

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.