REGINA – A new app by the Canadian Red Cross aimed at helping people prepare for natural disasters is now available for download.
The “Be Ready” app gives users specific tips on how to get ready for emergencies like planning escape routes or having a checklist of necessary items for the home.
The Canadian Red Cross said the app should be a must for Canadians.
“It’s about getting the message out to the people of Saskatchewan and Canada about the importance of being prepared,” Canadian Red Cross Provincial Disaster Management Dave Kyba explained.
It’s a thought echoed by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Ralph Goodale. “It will empower Canadians to take better responsibility for their own personal preparedness,” he said.
The app also has real time alerts for emergencies such as floods, severe weather, and wildfires.
Last year was the worst wildfire season on record with blazes ravaging over 17,000 square km of forest in the province.
More than 13,000 people were evacuated from their homes. The latest data shows parts of Saskatchewan at extreme danger for fires. Canadian Red Cross hopes users will do their part to get ready.
“An app is part of the tool kit. It’s one of those things that can come in handy,” Kyba said.
“But really it starts with a sounder mention of developing a plan, talking with your family about a plan in case something happens in your community, what’s the course of action you’re going to take.”
Goodale also said natural disasters and human-caused hazards are increasing in frequency.
“These events pose a real threat not only to the safety of our communities but also to our economic stability so it’s crucial we focus on prevention and mitigation,” Goodale said.
The app is available in both English and French, and for download on iOS for Iphone and Android devices.
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