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Before an Emergency

To ensure their safety and well-being during potential disasters, Calgary's indigenous residents should take several important steps before an emergency. This includes creating an emergency kit, developing a family emergency plan, staying informed about potential threats, and identifying any specific cultural or spiritual needs that may arise. By being well-prepared, indigenous residents can help protect themselves and their families in times of crisis.

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Preparation:

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It is essential to have a well-thought-out emergency plan in place before a disaster strikes. Residents should take the time to identify potential risks and hazards in their area and prepare accordingly. This may involve creating a household emergency kit, securing important documents and valuables, and identifying safe meeting places for family members.

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Physical Items:

Residents should also ensure that they have the necessary physical items to weather the storm, including power supplies such as batteries or generators, warm clothing and blankets, medical supplies, and communication devices such as radios or cell phones.

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Emergency Support
Contact Info & Documents:

 In case of an emergency, it is essential to have a list of emergency support contact information and relevant documents on hand. This may include the phone numbers for emergency services, insurance providers, and medical clinics, as well as copies of important documents like passports, identification cards, and insurance policies.

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Medical Clinics
& Support Programs:

Residents with medical conditions or disabilities should ensure that they have access to the necessary medical clinics and support programs in their area. This may include identifying nearby hospitals or clinics, registering for specialized services, and having a sufficient supply of medications on hand.

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Financial:

Residents should also take steps to protect their financial interests in case of an emergency. This may include creating an emergency fund, securing important financial documents, and having a plan for managing expenses during an emergency.

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Network:

Finally, it is important to build a strong support network of family, neighbors, and community members. This may involve identifying potential helpers in your area, joining local community groups or emergency response teams, and sharing information and resources with others.

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72 Hour Kit:

In case of an emergency, responders may be occupied with helping those in immediate danger, so it's important to have a 72-hour kit with supplies to support you and your family for three days in an emergency situation. The kit should include bottled water, food, medication, a first aid kit, a wind-up flashlight and radio, an external battery pack or wind-up phone charger, dust masks and duct tape, a whistle, personal sanitation items, warm clothes and blankets or sleeping bags, important documents, cash in small bills and coins, supplies for your baby and pet if applicable, and entertainment. Additionally, you should also put together an emergency action plan to ensure that you and your family members know what to do and who to call in case of an emergency. The 72-hour kit should be stored in a waterproof, wheeled suitcase or container that is portable in case you have to evacuate your home, and you should check and replenish/swap supplies as needed, ideally when you change your clocks.

Link: https://www.calgary.ca/emergencies/preparedness/72-hour-kit.html

It is important to note that Calgary's indigenous residents are most likely to face the above-mentioned 16 types of disasters in their region, particularly those related to cold climate and heavy snowfall

As such, they should take extra care to prepare for these specific hazards when creating their emergency plan.

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