Aug 24 2009
The Canadian Red Cross is reminding all individuals and families about the importance of emergency preparedness, after a tornado touched down in the City of Vaughan last night.
Red Cross volunteers are managing and staffing two shelters opened by the City, and have also mobilized an Emergency Response Unit moving cots, blankets and other supplies to affected areas. About 100 residents were forced to evacuate their homes.
"More than 20 volunteers have been deployed to support this relief effort and we have placed volunteers on standby from surrounding areas as well," said John Saunders, provincial director of disaster management for the Canadian Red Cross.
The Red Cross will be working with local officials and community partners to ensure the basic immediate needs of evacuees are met. So far, no residents have needed to use the Red Cross shelters.
"Extreme weather like this reminds us how important emergency preparedness is," said Saunders. "Emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, and having an emergency plan and basic supplies on-hand will help to minimize the impact on individuals and families."
The Red Cross offers the following checklist to help people prepare a
home survival kit:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Radio and batteries
- First aid kit
- Extra car keys and cash
- Important papers such as ID, personal documents
- Change of clothing and shoes
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Toilet paper and personal supplies
- Medication and personal health supplies such as eyeglasses
- Baby supplies and comfort items for children
- A whistle to attract someone's attention
- Canned food and bottled water for three days, manual can opener
- If you have pets, remember their needs as well
Residents interested in making a donation to Red Cross are asked to call 1-800-418-1111 and to designate the donation to the Canadian Disaster Relief Fund to help Red Cross respond to disasters across Canada.
Source: CANADIAN RED CROSS