{"id":5852,"date":"2025-05-22T10:51:45","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T15:51:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/?p=5852"},"modified":"2025-05-22T10:52:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T15:52:51","slug":"7-ways-to-prepare-before-an-emergency-or-disaster-strikes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/index.php\/2025\/05\/22\/7-ways-to-prepare-before-an-emergency-or-disaster-strikes\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways to Prepare Before an Emergency or Disaster Strikes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Prepare Before an Emergency or Disaster Strikes<\/strong><br><em>Posted by Councillor Cindy Gilroy | May 7, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When disaster strikes, the time to plan has already passed. Emergencies demand fast thinking and even faster action, but the best outcomes come when we\u2019ve taken time to prepare in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it&#8217;s a severe thunderstorm, power outage, flood, or another crisis, taking proactive steps today can make all the difference for you and your loved ones tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are seven key ways to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Learn About the Hazards You Could Face<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every region has its own risks. In Winnipeg, that might include blizzards, flooding, and extreme heat. Knowing what we are up against is the first step toward meaningful preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The City offers a free, self-guided online course called <a>Ready Winnipeg<\/a> that outlines the local hazards and how we plan for them. You can also request a <a>customized in-person presentation<\/a> for your school, workplace, or community group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Think About Your Own Situation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Preparedness isn\u2019t one-size-fits-all. Every household is different. Consider how an emergency would impact your day-to-day life, including your ability to evacuate or shelter in place for several days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How you\u2019ll pick up your children<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What babies, pets, or seniors might need<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any medications, assistive devices, or mobility supports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who else in your life you would want to check on<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning for these details ahead of time removes stress during a crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Make a Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating an emergency plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do\u2014whether you\u2019re at home, at work, or elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A communication strategy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emergency contacts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shelter-in-place procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evacuation routes and meeting spots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also prepare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An <a>emergency kit<\/a> with food, water, and essentials for 72 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A smaller \u201cgo bag\u201d for fast evacuation with prescriptions, identification, and other must-haves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Update and Share Your Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Plans are only helpful if they\u2019re current and accessible. Store your kit and documents where you can reach them quickly and check expiry dates regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Everyone in your home knows where the emergency kit and go bag are stored<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You review the plan together once or twice a year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You adapt the plan as your needs change<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Consider Your Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you rent or own, ensure you have <a>property or tenant insurance<\/a> that is up to date and appropriate for your risk level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also consider climate resilience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clear gutters and drains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reinforce basement windows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Know how to shut off your utilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking these precautions now can reduce damage when extreme weather hits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <strong>Stay Informed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In an emergency, accurate information is essential. Stay connected by following trusted sources like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cityofwinnipeg\">City of Winnipeg on X (formerly Twitter)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/cityofwinnipeg\">City of Winnipeg on Facebook<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a>Winnipeg Alert Notifications<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>During emergencies, the City uses social media and other platforms to keep residents informed about updates, evacuations, and safety instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <strong>Connect with Your Community<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most powerful tools during an emergency is a strong support network. Talk with neighbours, friends, and caregivers about how you can help one another if the need arises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sharing emergency supplies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Checking in on each other<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helping with evacuations or transportation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Prepared communities are safer communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Preparing for an emergency can feel overwhelming, but it doesn\u2019t have to happen all at once. Take one step at a time. Start with the <a>Ready Winnipeg course<\/a>, then build your kit and talk to your family. A little preparation today will help you respond with confidence when it matters most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay safe,<br>\u2014 Cindy<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-26db00cc\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" data-id=\"5853\" src=\"https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Forest-Fire-Close-View.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5853\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Forest-Fire-Close-View.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Forest-Fire-Close-View-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Forest-Fire-Close-View-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" data-id=\"5855\" src=\"https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5855\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images-1.jpg 225w, https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"801\" height=\"468\" data-id=\"5856\" src=\"https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/winnipeg-flooded-street.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/winnipeg-flooded-street.jpg 801w, https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/winnipeg-flooded-street-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/winnipeg-flooded-street-768x449.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 801px) 100vw, 801px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"1080\" data-id=\"5857\" src=\"https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PHOTO-2025-01-11-10-34-36-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5857\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PHOTO-2025-01-11-10-34-36-1.jpg 810w, https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PHOTO-2025-01-11-10-34-36-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/cindygilroy.ca\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PHOTO-2025-01-11-10-34-36-1-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>7 Ways to Prepare Before an Emergency or Disaster StrikesPosted by Councillor Cindy Gilroy | May 7, 2025 When disaster &#8230; 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