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Preparing for an Emergency

People living in poverty are often the ones most affected by natural disasters and extreme weather events, because they do not have the resources to properly prepare. Do research to make sure there are resources in place to help vulnerable people in your community in the case of an emergency. If there are not, write a letter to your city councillor with suggestions.

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Plan

  • What natural disasters or extreme weather events are possible in your region? 
  • What should you do if these natural disasters or extreme weather events occur? 
  • Who in your community will be most vulnerable in a natural disaster or extreme weather event?

Do

  • Start by figuring out which natural disasters and extreme weather events can occur in your region. Then discuss who will be most vulnerable if these natural disasters and extreme weather events occurred. For example, in Ontario a blizzard would be much more dangerous for a person who is experiencing homelessness than for a person with a warm house.  
  • Do research to find out if your city has resources in place to help protect people living in poverty during natural disasters and extreme weather events.  
  • If your city does not have any of these resources or if you think there are other resources your city should have, send a letter to your city councillor with your suggestions.  

Review

  • What other resources do you think your city should have?  
  • How did it feel to send a letter advocating for people living in poverty?  
  • How do you think natural disasters would affect people living in poverty in other countries? 
  • Remember to submit your activities on our Scouts for Sustainability Take Action Map

Materials

Pencil and paper 

Keep it Simple

Climate change can make natural disasters and extreme weather events more intense and more frequent. Do research to find out what you can do to reduce climate change!  

Take it Further

If you want to do more to help, you can make emergency preparedness kits and donate them to a local organization. The DIY Disaster Preparedness Kit activity can give you some ideas for creating your own kits.