Be a Red Cross Volunteer!
Councillor’s Corner - Wednesday November 22, 2017It is my pleasure to help advertise for Red Cross support here in Hornepayne. You have probably seen the signs up around town and I have written about the need in a June article as well. The Red Cross is recruiting. The Canadian Red Cross and the City of Wawa help every spring with the Northern Floods Response. The Red Cross responds with the community of Wawa to ensure that individuals and families have a warm, safe place to stay, clothing, food and other basic necessities. The Canadian Red Cross has two Disaster Management Teams of volunteers that are highly trained and ready to help people who have been affected by these disasters. We are currently looking for people to join our emergency team. Hornepayne is in the Wawa, Algoma Catchment area. It would be beneficial for our community to have a response team of our own. You have the power to make a difference, become a Red Cross Emergency Response Team volunteer. Call 1-844-818-2155 or Email vrs@redcross.ca or visit the redcross.ca/volunteer
Disasters can happen any time, anywhere. You and your family can be ready by following three simple steps: know the risks, make a plan, and get a kit.
- Know your risks: What disaster are likely for your community. Disasters can include floods, power outages, forest fires, tornadoes and many more. Think about it, be ready.
- Make a plan: An emergency plan will help you and your family know what to do in the event of a disaster or emergency and it only takes 20 minutes. Here are some things to think about: Best ways to evacuate your house, in case of a fire; location of your emergency kit and water supply; meeting place for your family to meet; out of town contact person; don’t forget a plan for your pets. An emergency plan should be practiced frequently to be really effective.
- Get a Kit: make your own or buy a start kit from the Red Cross. A kit should be a sturdy backpack, easy to carry bag. Have water, 4 litres per person per day, 72 hours worth of non-perishable food, a flashlight, candles, matches, extra keys for house and car, cash in small bills, medications, copies of important family document.
Please go to redcross.ca/ready for a thorough plan to get yourself ready.
As we hit the winter season please make sure that you carry a safety kit in your vehicle and water. We travel frequently from our small community and it only takes a few minute to pack up a kit. Some items to get into your kit:
- Gas line antifreeze and lock de-icer.
- A set of flares or folding plastic warning triangles.
- A blanket.
- Warm socks, oversize boots, mittens and a thick hat with fold-down ear covers or pair of ear muffs.
- A flashlight.
- A charger for your cell phone.
- Jumper cables.
- At least a 10-metre length of rope or tow strap
- A small folding shovel: it can be wrapped in the blanket to prevent it from moving around in the trunk
- A candle and matches or instant lighter and a clean old juice can.
- A first-aid kit.
- Energy food: A couple of high-energy snack bars from the grocery or health food store – with no expiry date.
- Shelter: A small tarp.
- Duct tape.
- A long bungee cord.
- A coat hanger.
- Swiss Army knife.
- Kitty litter.
Plan for safety and when an emergency happens you can best protect yourself and your loved ones. It takes a bit of time but it is so worth it. As always I am here, willing to discuss ideas and hear your thoughts about our community.
Sincerely,
Cheryl T Fort