Disasters aren't always on the mind of Albertans, but it won't stop the Canadian Red Cross from spreading the message of being prepared. 

The biggest mistake Coordinator in Disaster Management with Canadian Red Cross Amanda de Boer sees people make, is thinking it won't happen to them. 

Being prepared for up to 72 hours after an emergency was strongly encouraged at their Personal Preparedness Workshop last night in Blackfalds. 

Here's de Boer on what to have ready when disaster strikes.

“You want to make sure you're thinking about what common consequences you'll be facing. A lot of time it’s lack of communication, lack of keys or personal documents on you so you need to have those things.”

“Then what about things like traffic congestion or panic and fear, or understanding what the contact numbers are for you children’s schools. All of those things you need to plan in advance.”

Educating as many people as possible is what de Boer said is key to survival.

“They need to be prepared for disasters and it’s not just tornados and wicked wind storms, but things like house fires.”

“Just reminding people and it doesn’t take a lot. You probably have all the stuff in your home already. You need to put it in a kit and you need to talk about it with your family and what you’re going to do.”

Canadian Red Cross is always looking for volunteers. To sign up in the Central Alberta zone click here.