I’m still in shock by the recent bombings in Boston. I’m so saddened and horrified that this senseless act has taken place… again. How do you even try to explain this tragedy to your kids? My 12 year old son just couldn’t understand why someone would do that? Really I couldn’t explain the unexplainable… We just talked…

We read and watched how the city went into action, the police, fire, hospitals, volunteers and emergency workers … everyone ran towards the disaster with eagerness to help, without any thought of harm that might come to them. These are true heroes and it helps me remember and restores my belief in humanity.

As I write this, we are entering Emergency Preparedness Week May 5^th… and the timing seems a bit eerie…talking about being prepared but hoping to never have to put our plans into action. …

Because I work at Halton Region I know we have staff dedicated to preparing to deal with large scale emergencies and disasters. However disasters can be big or small, and it can affect one or many…

Are you prepared? Me? I am soooo not prepared. It’s that simple, but now I ask myself “why”?

If I’m truly honest, I guess I just don’t think it will ever happen to me or in my community… How naive am I?! I certainly don’t think many of the citizens of Boston were prepared for the horror they faced and are now dealing with. So, maybe it’s sinking in that there is nothing to lose with being prepared and much piece of mind to be gained. So today I make a resolution. I will take action!

There are simple steps for families; it’s really about knowing the risks, making a plan, and getting a kit. Easy as 1, 2, 3, right? The best part for me was that I could buy a kit, and as usual, I choose the easiest way. Its survival…

Share with us what plans you have in place and any tips you learned along the way.  

More information and events in Halton this week: Emergency Preparedness Week Events 

Read Cynthia’s Bio…

For more tips and hints about preparing for an emergency, or to share your experience, there are many ways you can talk to one of us directly:

• Leave us a comment below – we’d love your feedback
• Talk to us on Twitter: @haltonparents
• Email us at haltonparents@halton.ca
• Call the HaltonParents line for parenting information or to speak directly to a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.