Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Week 2013

Comments 99 by Rebecca Bollwitt

It’s the Canadian Red Cross’ Emergency Preparedness Week (May 6th to May 12th) which is an annual awareness campaign to encourage Canadians to be better prepared to deal with disasters in their communities.

Did you know that in a large-scale emergency it could take emergency responders 72 hours to reach you? Would you and your family have enough supplies to get you through 72 hours? Most Canadians admit that they aren’t prepared, even though every province and territory experienced a disaster within the past year. The Canadian Red Cross responded to over 2,300 disasters last year, including everything from house fires to wildfires, landslides, severe flooding, power outages, and hurricanes. Do you know the risks in your area?

To get you thinking about emergency preparedness, the Canadian Red Cross and I have teamed up to offer two unique prizes, thanks to ETON:

ETON-RedCross2

1) ETON MicroLink FR 170 Weather Radio – Stay connected in an emergency with this AM/FM Weather Radio with USB cell phone charger that receives audio broadcasts issued by Environment Canada for weather warnings and alerts. Includes built-in LED flashlight and USB cell phone charger. Powered by solar panel and dynamo crank. (Retail value: $36.95)

ETON-RedCross1

2) ETON SolarLink FR 370 Weather Radio – Enhanced weather radio that receives audio broadcasts from Environment Canada filtering only broadcasts that affect your area. Also includes an alarm clock. (Retail value: $67.95)

Here’s how you can enter to win one of these two prizes:

  • Leave a comment naming the known disaster risks in your home or neighbourhood and/or a step that you have taken to prepare your family in case of emergency
    (1 entry)
  • Re-Pin this post on Pinterest or pin a link/image on Pinterest that pertains to emergency preparedness. Be sure to tag @Miss604 and #CanadianRedCross
    (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win emergency preparedness tools from @RedCrossCanada + @Miss604 #EPWeek http://ow.ly/kLryV

I will draw two winners (one for each prize) at random from all entries on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 12:0pm. I also have two Red Cross Canada first aid fanny packs that I will award to two other random winners at that time. These products and more are available in the Red Cross Canada’s online shop.

I am a proud member of the Canadian Red Cross Social Media Team and had the honour of being a part of their Emergency Response Unit training last fall. The Canadian Red Cross has many helpful resources to help you and your family plan for an emergency. To learn more about how to make an emergency plan, what to pack in an emergency kit, and about the risks in your area, check out their online resources.

Update The winners are Jessica (ETON MicroLink FR 170 Weather Radio) and @TanyaJoyT (ETON SolarLink FR 370 Weather Radio). First aid kits go to Zaelia & Brenda A.

Current Contests on Miss604
*All contests are open to residents of Canada only, unless otherwise stated. Contest timelines are published on each individual post along with entry methods. Some contests may only be open to those 19 years of age and older. Winners are announced on the contest blog posts. Contest policy »

99 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. KarenMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 5:26pm PDT

    Hi Rebecca — Karen here from @redcrosscanada. Thank you for this post and for your tremendous support to the Red Cross. We appreciate your support in helping the Red Cross advocate for families to be prepared for any emergency.

  2. bjhMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 6:02pm PDT

    I would really love to win this – just had a reminder today at orientation for my new job of the importance of putting together a good emergency kit!

  3. ShirleyMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 8:37pm PDT

    I keep extra water in myy apartment in case of an emergency like an earthquake and we are required to be on our own for days.

  4. KittyPrideMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 8:37pm PDT

    We have labeled the gas shutoff valve by the furnace and we have a family meeting spot in case of emergency outside.

  5. bcMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 9:09pm PDT

    in 2011 following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I put together an earthquake kit for our house and also smaller kits for our cars, including emergency water packets (I had been procrastination doing so for years!) I have an older version of an hand-cranked Eton flashlight – it’s very handy and will charge my iPhone

  6. CyndiMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 9:26pm PDT

    We do regular earthquake and fire drills

  7. DarcyMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 10:02pm PDT

    An earthquake is a risk in our area & we have purchased a manual crank flashlight & already have a battery operated radio.

  8. LoriMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 10:17pm PDT

    We need to be prepared for earchquakes:
    I know where the gas and water shut off taps are located.
    I have told my husband where I’ll be if I’m not in the house. He has 3 places to look for me within 2 blocks of where we live.
    I have a radio, flashlight and extra water stored in the house.
    I also have started a 1st aid kit for the car & have some snacks stored for emergencies.
    Obviously I’m not totally prepared but it’s a start.

  9. HelenMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 10:26pm PDT

    Earthquake and tsunami

  10. EmiliaMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 10:47pm PDT

    Big trees during windstorm, we all have to sleep in the basement, with at least a day supply of water, food, clothing

  11. DianeMonday, May 6th, 2013 — 10:56pm PDT

    First aid kit and flat of water bottles at the ready along with a pantry that always has some extra food. Not really everything we should have but at least it’s something.

  12. VesperTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 7:28am PDT

    Hurricanes are becoming an increasing problem with the reulting water shortage and no power – 2 in the last 3 years – After Hurricane Igor hit us we now make sure that we have water and food in the house for a week and an alternative power source

  13. VesperTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 7:33am PDT

    Pinned – http://pinterest.com/pin/241435229996350876/

  14. VesperTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 7:33am PDT

    tweeted – https://twitter.com/Vesper1931/status/331778741984452609

  15. MagTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 9:31am PDT

    We have a separate bag for essential medication that we can take with us if we have to leave our house for an evacuation.

  16. KathyTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:11am PDT

    Known risks: falling trees and power lines. We have been storing water in containers, canned food, instant noodles, flashlights, portable stove, etc. for years now.

  17. AlanTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:14am PDT

    Storing enough fresh drinkable water for at least 72 hours within the home, and change it every 6 months.

  18. SandraTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:33am PDT

    We always have water on hand and lots of food in the pantry. First aid kit is ALWAYS ready.

  19. erinTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:36am PDT

    I have an emergency preparedness kit with food, water, radio, first aid supplies, etc. Probably a lot more I could do.

  20. lucy kabatoffTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:39am PDT

    always have an emergency kit. always be prepared with water, first aid, canned food,flashlight. etc.

  21. ZaeliaTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:45am PDT

    We have an emergency kit and our cat carriers at the ready.

  22. DebraTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:54am PDT

    I go to the emergency seminars at our community center on a regular basis so that I am aware of emergency concerns specific to our neighbourhood.
    I have an emergency kit that I replenish regularly.

  23. Ross CraigTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:54am PDT

    After we have gone through a few hurricanes and tropical storms we have purchased a generator, always have a supply of gasoline and propane on hand.

  24. RichardTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:54am PDT

    biggest risks would be an earthquake or tsunami…we have water & dry goods for food stashed, as well as extra batteries and crank flashlights

  25. Arjun RudraTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:57am PDT

    Earthquakes and Shootings would be known disaster risks in my neighbourhood.

  26. Mark SmTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 12:17pm PDT

    Disasters are not just earthquakes – disasters are any catastrophic events either man or nature related, which means expect to be away from home a min of 72 hours. Your neighbourhood could be evacuated because of a train derailment carrying chemicals, a fire or even a meth lab.

    The 2 tips I have and have done to prepare are

    1) In case of a disaster, know where your social assistance centres are located (usually in community centres in your area), they can get you access to food, shelter, clothing, reunion checks in case your loved ones and friends are located another part of the city and can’t reach you because phone lines and cell service is down.

    2) Have fire extinguishers and flashlights and kept together in multiple locations in your house. If you go to a store like KMS tools, you can get flashlight holders that you screw into the wall beside your extinguisher. Add in your emergency kit and you have an emergency centre which takes up very little space.

    Pinned
    http://pinterest.com/pin/451345193875990562/

  27. LaurenTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 12:29pm PDT

    We bought a 48hr emergency backpack filled with water, food, and first aid items.

  28. ShelleyTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 1:01pm PDT

    Landslides are a known disaster risk in my neighbourhood. Living on a mountain this could easily happen to us. We watch for patterns of storm water drainage on slopes near our home, especially where runoff water converges. We have a 3 day supply of canned food and water stored when we need to evacuate. We also have plenty of batteries, cell phones, phone chargers, flashlights, our meds, tools, and extra cash on hand when we need to relocate.

  29. Teresa KTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 1:20pm PDT

    To prepare my family in case of emergency, we have an emergency plan.

  30. leahTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 1:22pm PDT

    in case of fire or earthquake, we have a designated meeting spot as well as some extra food, blankets and medication packed away just in case

  31. liz eynonTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 2:56pm PDT

    we have been refilling water jugs for the last 10 years preparing for the earthquake.My kids also have drawn fire escape plans in case of emergency.

  32. stacey dempseyTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 2:58pm PDT

    for us it is earthquake , and occasionally flooding . We cant do much about the flooding other than be ready to go if they tell us it is a possibilty, for earthquake I have a small emergency backpack but I really should get it better supplied

  33. stacey dempseyTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 2:58pm PDT

    i tweeted
    https://twitter.com/roswello/status/331890250869772290

  34. KristaTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 4:10pm PDT

    I have earthquake kits, at home and in the car.

  35. Jessica AdamsonTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 4:13pm PDT

    We have a bug out bag for each of us including our pets.

  36. IainTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 4:59pm PDT

    Earthquakes and flooding

  37. Mike GismondiTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 5:36pm PDT

    Known risks – falling trees, earthquake, tsunami, winds, rain.
    We keep an emergency supply kit with food and water on hand.

  38. Angela griffinTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 5:37pm PDT

    We have food and water in the garage in case of emergency.

  39. sunshine hTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 7:33pm PDT

    Earthquake or fire,tree falling on the house, and major power outage are the big ones that concern me.
    I have a well stocked basement storage area which includes food, drink, and a can opener, if we can’t access the kitchen upstairs. We have fire detectors that we check regularly, and flashlights, and extra batteries. My DD’s night light is a flashlight as well. Important documents are kept at the bank. I do need to set up an out of province contact person.

  40. LindaTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 8:45pm PDT

    As preparation in case of an emergency I keep a well-stocked first aid cabinet.

  41. lorTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 8:47pm PDT

    practice your fire drill regularly!

  42. Lisa TTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 10:02pm PDT

    earthquake and tsunami. We have started getting a pack together, and this is a good reminder for us to do more.

  43. ChrisTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 10:03pm PDT

    We have earthquake kits in the house and cash hidden in the garage. But I’ve been meaning to get a Red Cross kit; this would make things a lot easier!

  44. GordonTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 10:58pm PDT

    I have a few things: first aid kit, bottles of water, a fire-safe box for important documents.

  45. AnnaTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:02pm PDT

    we keep extra water and a battery operated radio

  46. JackyTuesday, May 7th, 2013 — 11:27pm PDT

    In case of a major Earthquake, I have dried food stored in an emergency carry bag.

  47. JudyWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 12:17am PDT

    Need to do more to be prepared, have an emergency contact system in place to check in with family members.

  48. BryanWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 12:23am PDT

    Earthquake kit for the big one

  49. crisWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 3:30am PDT

    We have emergency water, food and red cross first aid kit.

  50. StotesWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 6:12am PDT

    Earthquakes and a go bag.

  51. ErinWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 7:35am PDT

    We have an emergency kit in out car and in the house for an earthquake!

  52. SeanWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 8:34am PDT

    Earthquake. Water & emergency kit stored in the home.

  53. JeffreyWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 8:46am PDT

    We have an emergency contact list at work. and I have a first aid kid at my desk.

  54. KarenWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 10:41am PDT

    I keep meaning to throw a decent pair of runners in my car so if I have to walk home to Delta from Richmond, I can hire a boat and walk the rest. Plan, plan, plan.

  55. HannahWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 12:48pm PDT

    Earthquakes are an issue so we have lots of water and non-perishable food at hand.

  56. Bernadette E.Wednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 1:20pm PDT

    we have specially built an underground shed in case of emergency. In this we have water, batteries, canned food, and medical aid kit. We know the big one is coming soon, the more prepared the less worry we get. As for my son, he travels with a small emergency kit, that houses a letter that I wrote to keep him calm, snack, radio, and a few first aid pieces. We as a family are fully aware where to go in case of an emergency during school and work times, and how we will meet.

  57. MikeWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 3:14pm PDT

    Having emergency preparedness items on hand is smart.

  58. LynWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 3:16pm PDT

    Pipes leaking and having disruption with water pipes can be lethal to our water supply.

  59. RoWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 3:21pm PDT

    We know the fire exits in our apartment building.

  60. janWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 5:18pm PDT

    earthquake

  61. KevinWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 8:36pm PDT

    I live in an area with lots of big trees and electric poles. During windy periods (wind warnings), there is a risk of falling trees and electrical wires. I’ve briefed my family on what to do when that happens. I also have a make shift emergency pack in case someone injures themselves.

  62. Leanne MWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 11:08pm PDT

    I keep lots of food in the pantry just in case

  63. Leanne MWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 11:08pm PDT

    https://twitter.com/leanne_mac/status/332376463103885312

  64. Brenda AWednesday, May 8th, 2013 — 11:48pm PDT

    In case of an earth quake, we are prepared with an earth kit with enough supplies for our family for 72 hours.

  65. marjorieThursday, May 9th, 2013 — 8:37am PDT

    Having lived in Japan, I know the importance of being prepared with an earthquake kit. I haven’t out together my own Vancouver kit yet, so this would be a great help. Thank you.

  66. AlexThursday, May 9th, 2013 — 8:45am PDT

    Food, water and medical supplies are always on hand in case of emergency.

  67. Michelle W.Thursday, May 9th, 2013 — 9:01am PDT

    I always have food (that doesn’t need to be cooked) and water in the pantry in case of emergency. Earthquakes are the top concern.

  68. SharaThursday, May 9th, 2013 — 11:28am PDT

    After seeing the images of the Indonesian tsunami, I took the erosion I was seeing more seriously and moved out of a rental house that was built on a sandy bank 60m directly above the beach on the Sunshine Coast. My spouse and I have 2 emergency backpacks in our bedroom and I also bought one for my coworker. We do need to prepare something for the vehicle. We have a planned escape route to head to higher, solid ground should something happen while we are at home, and we have a meeting destination should something happen while one or both of us are at work.

  69. RachelThursday, May 9th, 2013 — 1:48pm PDT

    Earthquake is a risk in our area. Also power outages and given that we live near the port, oil spills and the resulting mess and toxic fumes. I have started pulling together an Emergency Kit and we have installed a rain collection tank for additional water should supplies be cut. We have also worked out emergency meeting places both within walking distance and driving distance of the house in case it is not safe. These radios or the little first aid kits would be a great addition the the house or car kits. Thanks!

  70. TanyaThursday, May 9th, 2013 — 3:26pm PDT

    We have signed up for a disaster preparedness workshop at our local community centre, and we have purchased a couple of hand crank flashlights, as well asLED flashlights that are scattered around the house. We have a small stash of food, water, and first aid supplies in the car. Unfortunately the tent and tarp we had hidden in the car in case of emergency were stolen!!

  71. JuliaThursday, May 9th, 2013 — 4:01pm PDT

    We have a meeting place picked out in case we are separated in an emergency situation and we also have a couple of emergency kits that we are always adding to. Any of these prizes would make a great addition!

  72. SherylThursday, May 9th, 2013 — 4:25pm PDT

    Earthquakes, power outages, fires, etc. are a few of the risks in my neighbourhood. We have an emergency plan for the family.

  73. Andy C.Thursday, May 9th, 2013 — 8:22pm PDT

    My building will pancake like a Benetton garment factory in a snow storm with even the hint of a shake. I need to prepare for that.

  74. GigiThursday, May 9th, 2013 — 10:16pm PDT

    I have a safety kit ready to go by the door.

  75. RubyThursday, May 9th, 2013 — 10:42pm PDT

    first aid kid nearby, lots of water and pantry is stocked

  76. BelindaFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 9:13am PDT

    I do have an earthquake kit underneath the bed incase it happens during the night or early morning.

  77. Peter KFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 10:35am PDT

    I really need to get going on emergency preparedness. Winning this kit would be a great start!

  78. NeenaFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 10:55am PDT

    Fire and earthquake risks so we have extra water in jugs in vehicles and home along with flashlights and first aid kits

  79. Anne TaylorFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 11:56am PDT

    Earthquakes are really our only risk and what comes with them; building damage, no water etc. We are not in Tsunami range thank goodness.

  80. Anne TaylorFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 11:57am PDT

    Pinned

    http://pinterest.com/pin/119908408801405393/

    nancyrobster at gmail dot com

  81. Anne TaylorFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 12:00pm PDT

    https://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/332932974335119360

    thanks

  82. Tanya ThompsonFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 12:35pm PDT

    We live in both an earthquake and Tsunami area. We have a pack ready and have also got a close friend that has build a shelter with food/water/heat and everything else that is needed. We are ready.

  83. ShelaineFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 12:41pm PDT

    Earthquake! I keep a stockpile of food and an earthquake kit!

  84. AmyFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 1:07pm PDT

    I have made emergency kits for everyone in my feeling, which includes food and water.

  85. AliceFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 1:41pm PDT

    Earthquakes for sure. The house has an emergency supply kit (toiletries, food), we have extra clean water. And each kid has emergency kits for school and daycare.

  86. TracyFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 6:50pm PDT

    We have an emergency kit that has water, food etc.

  87. JeremyFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 7:10pm PDT

    We went to an emergency preparedness course at the local community centre!

  88. kelseyFriday, May 10th, 2013 — 11:08pm PDT

    earthquake – we have earthquake kits and a meeting place!

  89. cindySaturday, May 11th, 2013 — 12:10am PDT

    we have our flashlights and candles and hand crank radio in a tupperware bin by the door

  90. KamSaturday, May 11th, 2013 — 11:11am PDT

    Keep water in case of emergency, like an earthquake, where there is a possibility of not having access to water for a while.

  91. PatriciaSaturday, May 11th, 2013 — 2:17pm PDT

    We have fully stocked earthquake kits in our apartment and our car, both equipped with emergency supplies for us and our 2 dogs.. It’s super important to keep your pets in mind when creating earthquake kits!

  92. WallySaturday, May 11th, 2013 — 4:46pm PDT

    I have emergency kits in my house and in my car.

  93. AleciaSaturday, May 11th, 2013 — 8:18pm PDT

    I put together a kit with food, water, crank flashlight, blankets.

  94. GregSaturday, May 11th, 2013 — 8:53pm PDT

    earthquake .. got emergency kit and a hand crank flashlight

  95. EugeniaSunday, May 12th, 2013 — 12:40am PDT

    Earthquake. Our family keeps a kit in each room with water and food supply.

  96. Christina FergusonSunday, May 12th, 2013 — 9:51am PDT

    Living on Vancouver Island my biggest concerns are wind storms and earthquakes. We have a kit that can be used for either. I have enough food and water to last five days. The kit is also filled with medical supplies,flashlights,cash,shoes, clothing…basically everything we need to survive if we are unable to receive help. We also know where to go if our house has suffered extensive damage ie..Community Center.

  97. Christina FergusonSunday, May 12th, 2013 — 9:53am PDT

    http://pinterest.com/pin/172614598190439235/

  98. Christina FergusonSunday, May 12th, 2013 — 9:54am PDT

    https://twitter.com/Dillysdoll/status/333626252986572800

  99. Alison BraidwoodSunday, May 12th, 2013 — 6:57pm PDT

    I live in a forest fire area. I always keep a grab bag of stuff I’d need to take away with me in an emergency, and I keep a supply of water and canned food in storage in case of snowstorms or blackouts.

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