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May 3, 2010
(Red Deer, Alberta) – If you or your family is caught in an emergency or disaster, are you prepared? Do you have a 72-hour Preparedness Kit? A household emergency plan? It is important for all Red Deerians to be aware of hazards and risks that are present in the community and prepare for potential impacts.
Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. This week is National Emergency Preparedness Week, and even though the campaign occurs annually, it’s important for your family to be prepared year round.
Proactive planning includes:
- Knowing the Risks in Your Region - Hazards can be either natural (severe weather, flooding, tornadoes, etc ) or human-induced or technological (black outs, industrial accidents, etc)
- Making a Plan – Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan to ensure that your family knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Assembling a 72-Hour Preparedness Kit – You should be able to cover your family's basic needs in the case of an emergency or disaster for a minimum of 72 hours.
Having a 72-hour supply of the essentials can make a huge difference to how you and your family are able to work through an emergency. Some of the things to include in your kit are flashlights, a radio, water, non-perishable food and a can opener, first aid kit, pet supplies if needed, candles, matches and a lighter, a change of clothes for your family, toilet paper and garbage bags.
“In addition to these basic survival items, Red Deer residents should take into account any special needs that individuals may have, such as medical conditions, and ensure that required items are included in the kit," said Karen Morrow, Emergency Management Coordinator with The City of Red Deer.
Write down all of the details about medical conditions, allergies, medical history, prescriptions and insurance information and keep this information with your 72 Hour Preparedness Kit. Consider having hardcopies of important documents like photographs, passports and birth certificates on hand as well.
"In major emergencies, emergency personnel will have increased demands placed upon them. By thinking about emergency preparedness in advance, you can help to ensure the safety and security of not only your family, but others in our community," says Morrow. "It is really about making conscious choices. We can't control when or where emergencies may occur, but every family can help control their level of readiness."
For further information, go to www.reddeer.ca or www.getprepared.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Karen Morrow
Emergency Management Coordinator
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8258
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