Emergency Preparedness 15

Following  a powerful, 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the province of Esmeraldas, on the coast of Ecuador on April 17, the Red Cross responded to support the needs of those affected by deploying a health Regional Response Unit (RRU) jointly with the Colombian Red Cross. The RRU was deployed to reinforce health centres and community outreach activities as well as to operate satellite health posts and mobile clinics in various locations across Ecuador.

The Canadian Red Cross' Emergency Response Unit (ERU) provides emergency medial and surgical care during disasters and emergencies around the world. Training for the ERU involves is extensive and intense,  and  includes an immersive simulated disaster training scenerio. This year, members of other national Red Cross societies joined the ERU training to help strengthen the capacity for their countries' disaster prepardness.

If you're like me, your pet is a full-on family member. Because my fluffy little cat is a family member, he's part of our emergency plan. Here's how you can help make sure your pet is as ready as you are. 

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.

Floods are one of the most common disasters in Canada – and one of the most costly. While springtime means finally hanging up that parka and retiring the snow shovel for now, warmer weather also means that it’s flooding season for many Canadians. Here's how to prepare and how to stay safe.  

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?