Disasters like flood, tornadoes or wildfires can profoundly impact our lives, homes and communities.
We can’t predict when disasters will happen or the extent of damage they will inflict, but we can understand and learn about disaster risk so we can plan and be prepared to react.
There are simple steps we can all take to do so. We can start by finding out about risks and other hazards that can trigger emergencies in our communities.
Could it be an event like an earthquake, flood or winter storm? Who in your community would be affected? Could it be residents, family pets, children and women, or residents at the local retirement home?
And what are the tools and services at your disposal that could help you respond to the potential vulnerabilities? This information can help you assess, prevent and mitigate potential disasters around you.
A lot of useful information is available online. For example, in Canada, you can learn how to make an emergency plan and kit by visiting www.getprepared.gc.ca, and in the US you can visit https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. These resources are readily available at no cost and can help all of us take action before disaster strikes to make our communities safer and more resilient.
