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Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Prairie residents ill-prepared for major weather disaster, poll says
Even though many of us have been affected by a severe storm or tornado-related disaster, most of us are unprepared if we get hit with another one.
According to a new poll by the Canadian Red Cross, two-thirds of Prairie residents (67 per cent), say they have not taken steps to prepare in the event of a disaster, such as Hurricane Sandy, which just hammered the U.S. east coast.
"Only 23 per cent of Prairie residents say they have an emergency preparedness kit in their homes," said Shawn Feely, provincial director of the Canadian Red Cross in Manitoba. "We urge people across Manitoba to prepare. Storms like Sandy can happen anywhere in the province, at any time."
Those who are ready in the event of a disaster enable emergency crews to help the most vulnerable people in the community first, he said.
"One-third of Prairie residents report having experienced a flood-related disaster, and 16 per cent have lost electricity for more than 72 hours," he said. "In disaster-related circumstances such as these, it pays to be prepared."
The Red Cross urges all Canadians to make a plan and build an emergency kit. Some of the items to include are: bottled water, a 72-hour supply of non-perishable food for each person, a manual can opener, a battery-powered flashlight and radio (with extra batteries), extra keys for your house and car, a first aid kit and cash in small bills.
Visit www.redcross.ca/ready for a full list of items to have on hand.
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