DISASTER MANAGEMENT
YOUR CONTRIBUTION CHANGES EVERYTHING On average, every 14 hours an emergency response team is deployed to help people in Ontario who have been affected by a disaster. From flooding to house fires, no matter where a disaster or emergency happens, Canadians can count on the Red Cross to be there when they are needed.
REASSURANCE
&RELIEF
Canadian Red Cross volunteers are ready to respond wherever and whenever help is needed. Each year, the Red Cross assists people who have been affected by natural or man-made disasters including floods, forest fires, ice storms, chemical spills and house fires. In recent years, the number of disaster events has increased and experts predict that this trend will continue into the future. This means the Red Cross is needed now more than ever. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, the Red Cross provides the basic necessities of life – shelter, clothing, food, first aid and emotional support. Often, these are the first steps to helping families get back on their feet. Providing these essentials costs money, and it is through the generosity of our donors that we are able to respond to those in need.
Facts about Disaster Management in Ontario* This map identifies some recent community-wide disasters across Ontario. It illustrates that no matter where you live, emergencies can happen and it is important to be prepared. From Burlington to Attawapiskat, St. Albert to Goderich, the Red Cross has responded by providing assistance, shelter and comfort.
620 community-wide disaster responses in Ontario
7,890 People assisted
Tornado
Flood
Building Collapse
Fire
Snowfall
Microburst
Water Issues
$1,500
1,427 Active disaster management volunteers
$146
Cost of providing assistance to a family of four for 72 hours
40,000 Volunteer hours spent responding to disasters.
Responding to a personal disaster assistance call costs an average of
Average cost to train a disaster management volunteer
$750 8,000
Number of People Assisted
5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000
13 201 2-
12 201 1-
11 0201
200 7
*As reported in the 2012/2013 fiscal year
- 10
1,000 - 08
2,529 comfort kits
6,000
200 9
Red Cross volunteers distributed
Number of Disaster Responses
09
10,694 people
7,000
200 8-
382 personal preparedness workshops were held, educating
Emergency assistance for those affected by disasters Shelter
Food
Clothing
Personal services (hygiene kit and blanket)
Ready when the call comes The greatest strength of the Red Cross disaster management program lies in its vast network of highly trained volunteers who are ready to respond at a moment’s notice
Emotional support
when the call for help comes. In their own neighbourhood and in other communities, provinces and even countries, no matter the scale of the disaster, volunteers are ready when help is needed. Across Ontario, there are more than 1,400 volunteers
3
Assistance provided for the first three days following a disaster
who have been rigorously trained in how to respond to disasters – from providing first aid, setting up and managing a shelter to offering emotional support to people who are experiencing great personal loss. When volunteers from across the province come together to respond, they each have the same high standard of training and professionalism and are able to easily work as a team. This ensures volunteers are
It can cost the Red Cross up
ready to quickly meet the urgent needs of those affected when disaster strikes.
of four people for three days:
The Red Cross emphasizes the importance of emergency preparedness, responds to disasters and assists with relief and recovery efforts. With your help, we are there before, during and after a disaster.
to $1,500 to help a family
$60
Hygiene kits and blankets
$300 Food
Preparing for the worst The Red Cross provides relief and recovery services following disasters and works closely with communities to help people prepare for disasters. Recent polling by the
$375 Lodging
Red Cross revealed that two-thirds of Canadians have not taken steps to prepare for a disaster because they think it is unlikely to happen to them. In a large-scale emergency, responders may not be able to reach many of those affected for upwards of 72 hours as they need to respond to the community’s most urgent needs
$740 Clothing
and vulnerable persons first. Educating Canadians about being prepared for an emergency is an important task, especially as the frequency and scale of disasters continues to increase.
Making a difference with your dollars Helping those in need When disaster strikes, Red Cross volunteers are on the scene ensuring those in need have basic necessities. Nearly 8,000 individuals received assistance from the Red Cross this past year following a disaster. While these services are provided at no charge to clients, the cost of providing assistance to a family of four following a disaster can range up to $1,500 as per guidelines. It is donor support and community partnerships that allow the Red Cross to address these needs.
Volunteer training and education In addition to the direct expenses of assisting those affected by disasters, there are costs associated with recruiting, training and maintaining a vast network of volunteers across the province. Training, team meetings and exercises and mock disasters allow Red Cross volunteers to gain experience, enhance their skills and continue to adapt to the growing needs of their community. Continued donor support and training opportunities ensure Red Cross volunteers are always prepared to respond when needed locally, nationally and even internationally.
When prevention is impossible, preparation is essential The Red Cross actively helps communities prepare for and reduce the impact of disasters before they happen through the provision of preparedness workshops. In the last year, the Red Cross has educated more than 10,000 people through 382 personal preparedness workshops. Being prepared reduces the impact of disasters on communities and helps people return to normal life faster.
CONTACT US
Canadian Red Cross - Ontario Zone Department of Philanthropy Phone: 1-866-886-4174 Email: dmsupport@redcross.ca Website: www.redcross.ca
We never know where or when the next disaster will strike, but it will. When that happens the Red Cross will be there.