Category: Family

April 17, 2014

Spring Flooding – Red Cross Update

With spring comes the melting of snow and occasionally mixed in precipitation. Over the past couple of days we have seen an increase in our area with flooding risk alerts. The Canadian Red Cross is prepared to help communities but we should all do our part and prepare as well as protect ourselves.

The Canadian Red Cross has given us three simple steps to prepare for potential flooding:

Know the risks – be aware of flooding risks in your community
Make a plan and talk to your family about it. Do your children know what to do in a flooding emergency??
Get or make a kit – put together or assemble your own kit in case of emergencies.

Check out the Canadian Red Cross website for more helpful information on flooding.

September 10, 2013

Protecting Your Computer From Phishing #ESETProtects

In the past ten years various computer viruses and attacks has evolved as more of the population have begun to use the Internet. Online shopping is now incredibly popular as well as online banking and wire transfers (how can you not beat the convenience of this?).

The term “phishing” is used to describe the process by which a bait (usually an email) is sent out to a potential victim in the hopes that they will click on it and unknowingly download malware causing their personal information to be compromised. They can compromise usernames, passwords, credit cards and banking information.

It is so important to be careful not to fall for these scams but you have to be aware to be able to protect yourself. ESET gives us four great tips on how to identify typical phishing scams.

Email links : How many emails have you received asking you to click on the included link to verify accounts or the email, etc…Be wary if you do not recognize the account or if it looks suspicious. Don’t ever open any links from accounts you do not know!
Email threats: Do you constantly get emails threatening to close your accounts if you do not click the provided link? Don’t respond but if you are really concerned and you use the company give them a call to see if the email is valid. Better safe than sorry!
Spoofing companies and popular websites: These fake sites look so real but be careful if it doesn’t look right – exit and start over.
Security software: Look into installing additional software that will help protect you against these malicious sites (ESET Smart Security 6 is perfect for this!).

How do you protect yourself from phishing emails? Have you ever had this happen to you?

May 15, 2013

Top Five (free!) Summer Activities

Our family loves to get out in the summer – hikes, splash pads, soccer fields just to name a few! Trying to keep the kids entertained throughout the entire summer can get expensive so while I was off on my last maternity leave I did a lot of research into activities I could do with my kids that would be free. I was shocked at the amount of fantastic places there were in my community and surrounding areas!

Here is our top five list of favourite places to go to that have no additional costs.

1. Local library : Local libraries usually hosts a huge variety of events through out the summer. We went to movie days, bingo, colouring contests and live animal shows. My kids had so much fun! Some of the events you have to pre-register for but they are well worth it. More information on the program usually comes out later in June but keep your eyes peeled! They also run a great reading program in conjunction with TD Canada Trust. He would read a book over the week and then go in and tell an older child all about the book.

2. Local splash pads: These provide hours, upon hours of fun! We pack up lunches, extra clothes, sunscreen and spend several hours there. There is a huge list of splash pads that you should really check out. Children love to get out and play, throw in fun splash pads and it is a win-win!

3. Local Beaches: Beach front trails are perfect to walk down during the summer months with their great view of the water and the city. We also love heading down to the beach to throw rocks into the water.

4. Parls: Head out to your local park and get moving. Make up mini Olympic events, play matches but just get active.

5. Hiking: Pack snacks and maybe the wagon for tired kids and get out there and walk!

What are your favourite summer activities in your community?