www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, May 2, 2014 | 14 Be prepared: Red Cross free time? She'll love it! Let Merry Maids of Oakville take care of the housework, so mom can relax. More Residents urged to have a safety plan merrymaidsoakville.ca In the wake of an unusually high number of disasters in 2013, the Canadian Red Cross, Halton Chapter is urging local residents to take the steps to be ready for the unexpected. The call to be prepared coincides with Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4-10) -- the week-long initiative, which usually takes place during the first full week in May, is spearheaded by Public Safety Canada. "This past year was extremely difficult with significant disasters happening across the country," Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross, said in a news release. "These events remind us that disasters can touch all of us regardless of the community we live in, and that we must take steps to prepare ourselves." In 2013, the Canadian Red Cross helped approximately 90,000 people in response to more than 2,700 emergencies -- that's an average or more than seven emergencies a day. In April alone, Halton Red Cross volunteers helped eight people displaced by an apartment fire in Burlington; provided accommodation, support and comfort to two Oakville residents following a house fire; and assisted four people forced out of their Burlington home by a blaze. Last Christmas, during the ice storm, vol- unteers staffed warming centres and shelters in Burlington and Halton Hills. "In a large-scale emergency, responders may not be able to reach you for at least 72 hours," stated the release. Have an emergency kit ready "You should buy or make a kit for you and your family to allow you to remain safe while emergency personnel respond to your community's more urgent needs." An emergency preparedness kit should include, non-perishable food, water, a manual can opener, flashlights and radios, cash in small bills and special needs items, such as diapers or medications. For more information on putting a kit together, visit www.redcross.ca/ready or purchase one at www.shop.redcross.ca. During Emergency Preparedness Week, Red Cross volunteers will be at the Seniors' Health Fair tomorrow (Saturday) at Oakville's Sir Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. In addition, they will be at the Canadian Tire store in Georgetown on Friday, May 9 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Groups can also arrange a Person Preparedness Workshop by contacting the Red Cross at 905-875-1459. FOREVER r e m Sum Swimsuits & Beachwear Unit #4 389 Brant Street Burlington, ON L7R 2E9 Tel: 905-333-8300 Fax: 905-333-8302 Forever Summer Swimsuits is celebrating our second year in business. Come in and wish us Happy Anniversary and receive your purchase! Offer valid until May 11, 2014 10% OFF