Canadian Red Cross wants residents to be ready in case of emergency

Now more than ever the Canadian Red Cross is looking to residents to be ready in case of emergency.

Communications Manager MairiAnna Bachynsky says that includes having an emergency kit ready to go to cover off up to 72 hours.

“There is so much going on right now, we know there have been recent storms across the province, pounding rain and high winds, even hail, power outages, people have power out for upto three days with trees falling down,” she says.

Wildfires and fire warnings are other issues to be aware of too.

Bachynsky says the pandemic has shown that it’s important to be ready.

“It does demonstrate the real need to be prepared for whatever comes our way. Take some time, sit down and grab that list from redcross.ca. You can literally print off a checklist of what to think about in the case of emergency,” she says.

The list of items includes flashlights, cash, medications, important papers and much more.

On top of helping when needed like spring flooding, wildfires and more, Bachynsky says they’re also raising awareness about thinking ahead and being ready for whatever may come.

With swimming and water safety, she says it’s important people are aware and actively supervising their children in and around any water areas.

She also points out a Canadian Red Cross fundraising campaign is underway right now at Walmart.

(File photo by station staff)