Red Cross urges Ontarians to be prepared for severe storms

TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross is urging Ontarians take action and ensure they are prepared for emergency situations that may arise from a severe weather system expected to make landfall in Ontario this week. The Red Cross advocates that families be prepared to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours in any emergency that may cause power outages or force evacuations.

According to Environment Canada, Hurricane Sandy is expected to impact the eastern coast of the United States and parts of Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes over the next few days. The storm covers a wide area and the impacts of heavy rainfall, high winds and possibly snow may be experienced well away from the centre of the storm.

Storm conditions could lead to downed trees, power outages and flooding.

"The Canadian Red Cross encourages all Canadians to take some steps to ensure their safety.  Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours in an emergency," said Mike Morton, Canadian Red Cross director of disaster management in Ontario. "By taking some time now to store emergency food, water and other supplies, you can provide for your entire family during a power outage or evacuation."

The Red Cross recommends families have the following items ready in sturdy,easy-to-carry containers such as suitcases on wheels or backpacks in the event of a power outage or an evacuation:

• Water: Store two litres of drinking water and two litres of water for washing per person, per day, keeping a 72-hour supply on hand for your family and any pets.
• Food: Store at least a 72-hour supply of non-perishable food for each person. Ensure that there is enough for each member of your family.
• Manual can opener
• Crank or battery-operated flashlight, with extra batteries
• Crank or battery-operated radio, with extra batteries
• Extra keys, for house and car 
• First aid kit : http://www.redcross.ca/main.asp?id=032983
• Cash in small bills
• Special needs items - medications, baby formula and diapers, and equipment for people with disabilities. Learn more about plans for people with disabilities : http://www.redcross.ca/main.asp?id=033851

Visit  www.redcross.ca/ready for a full list of supplies that can be added to your emergency kit.

The Red Cross also recommends families have a plan in place in case they need to evacuate their homes. For tips on how to make an evacuation plan, visit www.redcross.ca/ready.

In times of emergency, the Canadian Red Cross relies on its network of thousands of highly trained volunteers to respond. Volunteers in Ontario are currently on standby to assist Ontarians or to deploy to the U.S. to support the American Red Cross if needed. Teams are currently assessing the availability of volunteers across the province and checking all equipment to ensure a high state of readiness to respond if necessary.

SOURCE: Canadian Red Cross - Ontario Zone

For more information contact:
Karen Snider, Media Manager, 416-518-2844, [email protected]
Tanya Elliott, Director of Communications, 905-460-7966, [email protected]