The National Civil Protection Week raise awareness on the importance of being prepared for an emergency situation.
The first week of May is known in Quebec as the National Civil Protection Week in order to raise awareness on the importance of being prepared for an emergency situation. Unfortunately, often awareness is raised when a major disaster strikes like the current flooding we are experiencing right now across Quebec, particularly in the West Island.
Being reminded that floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in Canada and understanding the potential risks of various disasters can help mitigate the damage.
Preparation begins at home; it is recommended to have an emergency kit comprising bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, etc., in one’s home at all times in order to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours of a disaster. Everyone in the house should know its location and the kit can also be used in the event of an evacuation. Generally a list of family members’ contact numbers, insurance company phone number, security consulting company, and inventory of one’s belongings, is also useful after an evacuation. Furthermore, it is important to create and rehearse an emergency plan with one’s children in case the family becomes separated. Recommendations and tips to elaborate a plan that may help you prepare for an emergency are available on the Sécurité publique Québec website.
Sun Youth is no stranger to emergency situations, as the organization is called to the scene of over 200 fires and other disasters each year. Working in collaboration with the Montreal Fire Department, the Office municipal d’habitation de Montréal and the Quebec division of the Canadian Red Cross, Sun Youth is able to provide victims with food, clothing, medication, financial assistance and or transportation. Sun Youth is able to achieve this mission by benefiting from the support of partners; Houle Toyota Scion, McDonalds and several other private donors. The owner of Houle Toyota, Michel Houle donated two vehicles to Sun Youth that are used every day of the year for emergency interventions. McDonald’s plays an instrumental role by donating thousands of dollars worth of meal coupons to both fire victims and regular emergency services clients. It is during time like this that people come together, value each other and remember the importance of sharing.
Sun Youth would like to thank all the volunteers of the Red Cross for their hard work.Every day, our employees and volunteers work hand in hand with them in order to help victims in Montreal. We are grateful to be able to count on them to support the community.
