A new app has been designed to help Canadians prepare for emergencies and disasters.
The app, called Be Ready, was launched by the Canadian Red Cross across the country, with the Saskatchewan rollout happening in Regina.
Be Ready alerts users about weather conditions that could prompt emergency situations such as floods, forest fires and tornadoes. It uses data feeds collected by the Weather Network.The app also helps educate how to prepare themselves and their homes “before, during and after disasters and emergencies.”
Features include: geo-targeted notifications for a range of hazards; and practical and useful preparedness information for a range of disasters and emergencies.
There is also access to in-app information anytime, anywhere even without reception or an internet connection.
Users can also play interactive quizzes to earn badges that they can share with their friends and colleagues. There is also toolkit with additional features such as an flashlight, strobe, and alarm.
According to the Red Cross, the app is important for emergency preparedness because only 47 per cent of Canadians have any type of emergency supply kit in their homes.
However, three quarters of Canadians feel confident they would know what to do in an emergency situation.
“The Canadian Red Cross recommends keeping enough supplies on hand to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours in the event of a disaster, or up to two weeks in a health emergency,” said Cindy Fuchs, Canadian Red Cross vice-president of Saskatchewan.
“We can’t control when or where a disaster will happen, but being prepared can help mitigate the impact disasters have on people, families and communities.”
The launch of the app coincides with Emergency Preparedness Week, which is a national event that runs from May 1-7.
This is important since nearly three quarters of Canadians feel confident that they would know what to do if confronted with an emergency situation, yet only 47 per cent actually have any type of emergency supply kit in their homes.
The app can be downloaded for free on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices and is available in English and French.
