MIKE RAINONE/Hammertime
We have watched with horror, as the entire world has been devastated with countless natural disasters over the years, including the tsunami in Japan, cyclones in Australia, earthquakes in Haiti, tornadoes in the United States, and on and on.
Over the past few weeks these kinds of nightmares have certainly hit closer to home, as our own nation has felt the wrath of nature, including the floods to the east, and of course the horrific wildfires that are currently attacking our own province.
The fury of the sudden destructive fires in and around Slave Lake has been heard around the world. I suppose the one blessing from this catastrophe is the fact that no residents’ lives were lost, but it will sadly take many years of extremely hard work, dedication and soul searching to rebuild the life-long dreams of so many, that took only a few vicious hours to destroy!
Through it all, what really doesn’t surprise me at all is the absolutely overwhelming support and compassion that citizens of all ages and walks of life, organizations, businesses, and so many others have immediately and so passionately shown towards those who have lost so much. There is no doubt that our provincial and federal governments and agencies, along with the rest of the world, will respond with the immediate and ongoing financial support and resources to assist wherever is required.
Sincere appreciation must be expressed to those thousands of emergency services personal from Alberta and afar who have been working 24-7 to bring these many dangerous fires under control, as well as attending to the safety of everyone in the ravaged areas. So many communities and volunteers have responded without hesitation to open their facilities, homes and hearts to accommodate those who have had to leave their homes and their precious belongings and memories behind. As well as donating tons of vital personal and survival items and cash to this most desperate cause, many have so kindly supplied vehicles and manpower to transport these supplies, to move the victims to shelters, and to help clean up the destruction that has been left behind.
There will certainly be many more appeals for assistance in the aftermath of these disasters for many more weeks to come, to which we all know and appreciate that so many of our population will so graciously respond as we always do.
Contact numbers to see what supplies or assistance may be required or as to where cash donations can be made should be available at most municipal or emergency services offices. The provincial contact number for the Canadian Red Cross is 1-800-418-1111 and the website is: www.redcross.ca.
What can we do to prepare for the unexpected?
All municipalities have well-prepared emergency disaster plans in place for 24-7 response, but there are a few things that we can do as families and individuals to help prepare for sudden disasters or emergencies. We should all try to learn about these preparedness strategies that are common to all types of hazards and disasters, then strive to keep everyone informed about this vital survival plan just in case something quite unexpected might suddenly happen in the future!
• Get informed about hazards and emergencies that may affect you and your family.
• Develop an emergency plan.
• Collect and assemble a disaster supplies kit, as well as an easily assessable stash of the important items that you will want to take with you if you have to leave quickly.
• Learn where to seek shelter from all types of hazards.
• Identify the community warning systems, evacuation routes, and emergency phone numbers.
• Include in your plan the required information and contact information from community and school plans.
• Learn what to do for specific hazards. Always try to practice and maintain your plan, as well as discussing and comparing it with family, relatives, and neighbours.
• It is also a very good idea to discuss with your insurance provider as to what coverage you have, and how it might apply to natural disasters and sudden emergencies. There can be real, and often lifesaving benefits for those of us who are prepared for the unexpected.
Have a great sunny, with maybe just a touch of rain week, all of you.