I’ve been meaning to write this post since that night. But life gets busy – as life does – but something else has happened which prodded me to get this written. Today.

So rewind to a bit to the night – where my prince was on a biz. trip. About midnight the power went off (my first thought was – they always cut the power and phone lines before they kill you – that is how my mind rolls at night).

No lights, no heat. I carried, sleeping Things 1 & 2 to my bed, thinking at least if we were together I could keep them warm (and protect them from the Jasons, Hannibals and Chuckies of the world).

I felt compelled to write something on the smartness of making a plan for emergencies…but life happened. A reader sent me a link to THIS (months ago)- a good read and I put it on my to-do list for Parent Club.

Then yesterday, my kids had a lockdown at their school because a house caught fire on the school’s street. Someone died in that fire. The kids came home talking about the lockdown – how they walked out the back of the school, the police cars and fire engines. And, I thought – if the school has an emergency plan – why don’t we?!

Louise Geoffrion, Program Manager, Canadian Red Cross says: “We always try to get the message out that everyone has to be prepared. In the case of an emergency, everybody has a role to play. That’s why we train people in first aid and CPR and tell people to have an emergency kit. Being prepared yourself could mean saving the life of a loved one.”
Despite a number of weather-related emergencies in recent years, most Canadians are still not well-prepared to sustain themselves for the first 72 hours of an emergency. Check out “72 Hours…Is Your Family Prepared?” to read more.

You should discuss with your children an emergency plan. Do they know how to dial 911? What to say to the 911 person? (I’ve called 911 once – I’ll tell you the story sometime) Which neighbours to go to for help? (which neighbours are usually around, which neighbours we know, and to not cross the street).

You can read an emergency prepardness guide HERE – a good source for creating a family emergency plan.

You should also have a few supplies on hand in case of emergency. We have a nightlight – which is always plugged in – but when the power goes out it transforms into a high-powered flashlight (because it charges as it is plugged in). You should also have a first aid kit on hand, batteries, wind-up radio and lightsticks.

You could make your own kit or get a Basic Emergency Kit.

We are now prepared – are you?

www.parentclub.ca