Economical Insurance helping Canadian Red Cross deliver emergency preparedness training for 11,000 Canadians

New multi-year partnership with commitment of $450,000 over three years

WATERLOO, ON, July 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Recent flooding in Alberta and intense rain in Southern Ontario demonstrate that Canadians are facing the increasing impact of climate change. Severe weather is jeopardizing lives, property and livelihoods. And it isn't getting better.

To help Canadians better manage emergency situations, Economical Insurance is committing $150,000 annually for three years in a new National Disaster partnership with the Canadian Red Cross to provide 175 emergency preparedness sessions to more than 3,500 people annually across the country, including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Halifax, Moncton, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Toronto, Mississauga and Ottawa regions.

"We are proud to partner with the Canadian Red Cross and help build safer communities" said Karen Gavan, Economical's president and CEO. "Through this National Disaster partnership, we are helping Red Cross deliver training that helps prepare people for emergencies so they are better able to help themselves and assist those who cannot, including children, isolated seniors and persons with disabilities."

This training helps individuals cope during the first 72 hours following an emergency. It is designed to reduce personal injury and loss of life and enhance community resiliency.

Currently, the Canadian Red Cross delivers at least 850 emergency preparedness sessions across Canada to some 15,000 individuals.

"From individual house fires to flooding that affects entire communities, the Canadian Red Cross has the resources to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to any emergency," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross.  "Thanks to this three-year partnership with Economical Insurance, we will be able to reach more Canadians with important information to help ensure families are prepared for disasters."

For more information on how to prepare for an emergency and how to take care of yourself and your loved ones, visit www.redcross.ca/ready.

About Economical Insurance
Founded in 1871, Economical Insurance is one of Canada's leading property and casualty insurers, with more than C$1.8 billion in premiums and more than C$4.7 billion in assets. Based in Waterloo, this Canadian-owned and operated group services the insurance needs of more than one million customers through 17 branches and service offices across the country. In 2010, Economical announced its decision to become the first federally-regulated mutual property and casualty insurance company to demutualize. Economical Insurance conducts business under the following brands: Economical Insurance, Economical, Western General, Economical Select, Perth Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, Federation Insurance and Economical Financial.

About the Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 187 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

SOURCE: Economical Insurance