I am chair of the Disaster Services Committee of the Canadian Red Cross for the area just west of Toronto (Peel region/Mississauga?brampton) and north as far as Dufferin county (north of Shelbourne). We were put on alert for most of the weekend due to the tornado warnings. Interestingly if the Canadian Bethel was hit by a tornado, I would likely be directing the relief efforts for the Bethel Family. smirking evilly.
The Red Cross branch responsible for London area had to provide shelter/food and clothing for the 15 families that lost their homes over the weekend.
If any of you folks live or have family that live in the Ontario Tornado alley, please advise them that Environment Canada is predicting another F4 - F5 tornado this year, similiar to the one that went through Grand Valley/Barrie about 10 years ago.
Emergency Measures Ontario (EMO) have based their plans that we can provide immediate assistance to those who lose everything but for those just with wind damage and suffering power failures etc, we need them to take care of themselves for the first 72 hours otherwise we will not be able to handle the influx of people needing assistance. After 72 hours, relief programs will be established according to the size/nature of the emergency.
This means, having non-perishable food supplies and water for your family (including pets) to last 3 days. Always having enough fuel in your cars, never letting your medications drop to less than a 3 day supply, etc. Family pets are not allowed in shelters so give thought to what you will do with Rover or the little kitty if an emergency happens. Establish emergency plans with your family, such as setting up meeting points outside the home in case of fire or other emergency. One of the Red Cross' first priorities is registering the disenfranchised and re-unifying them with family members.
The blackout last summer was nothing compared to what can happen due to natural or man made disasters. I'd encourage everyone to check out what your municipality has in place for an emergency plan. It is scary but many municipalities/towns in North American do not have an official emergency plan. Speak to your local Red Cross or Town Hall.
Should your Town not have a plan (especially here in Canada) let me know and I can direct appropriate resources and agencies to the town so such can be prepared. A well thought out and properly prepared plan can make the difference in property loss and more importantly lost lives.
Uzzah
