THREE STEPS TO SAFETY

(NC) - Imagine yourself in a snowstorm, hurricane, forest fire or flood with no power, no way to leave your home and no communication with the outside world. Would you have enough food, water and other supplies (such as prescription medicine, for example) to survive? Don Shropshire, national director of disaster management for the Canadian Red Cross says that a key piece of advice is to assume that emergency services will not reach you for three days.

Here are three simple steps that can help you cope during an emergency and will make you and your family safer:

• Know your risks. The risks are different depending on where you live, so it's vital that you do your homework. Check out www.getprepared.ca for the risks in your area - you might be surprised by what you learn.
• Make a plan. It's one thing to know you live in a tornado or earthquake zone, but would you know what to do if one happened? Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. The http://www.getprepared.ca website has an online planning tool that's fast and easy - it only takes about 20 minutes to complete.
• Make or buy an emergency kit. In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies, especially if there is no power or tap water. You should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. If you're not sure what to put in your kit, click on www.getprepared.ca or visit a local retailer to buy one. Make sure you get more than a first aid kit. Emergency kits include first aid kits but address also food and water needs, and are critical to surviving an emergency.

You can get more information on risks, plans and kits at www.getprepared.ca. You can also call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) to order a copy of the federal government's emergency preparedness guide. - (NC)

Source: News Canada