Winter Safety
Preparedness

Winter in Canada can be harsh. Across our country there are winter weather systems that can cause interruptions to basic services such as electricity and water. Whether it's a wicked West Coast storm or monstrous Maritime ice storm - are you prepared if the power goes out?

In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

You may already have some of the items on hand: food,
water and a flashlight. But are you organized? Could
you find your flashlight in the dark? The key is to be organized and make sure that your preparedness kit is easy to find. Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels, and store it in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front-hall closet. Ensuring you are prepared for a prolonged interruption of services will give everyone in the family peace of mind.

The internet is full of useful resources about emergency preparedness, but one of the best resources to start with is www.getprepared.gc.ca. There is lots of useful information and even a downloadable PDF document, 'Your Emergency Preparedness Guide', which you can print off and share with the family.

Being prepared
is the key.
Here's to a safe
and fun filled
winter!

Family Fun

For most of us, December brings the anticipation of Christmas – spending precious time with family and sharing with those we love. A lot of families love to spend time together in the kitchen. Here's a simple Christmas cookie recipe that you can share with your loved ones. Not only will you have a tasty treat when company comes calling, but they make a wonderful gift to share with neighbours or the letter carrier.

Ingredients
1 pkg. (250 g) Cream Cheese,
room temperature
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup white sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2-1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup coloured sprinkles

Prep Time: 20 min
Total Time: 1 hr 20 min
Makes 42 cookies

Instructions
Combine sugar, vanilla, butter and cream cheese with electric mixer until blended. Add flour and baking soda; mix well. Refrigerate 30 min.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with 3-inch cookie cutters (use any kind of a festive cookie cutter like a star or Christmas tree). Place, 2 inches apart, on greased baking sheets. Sprinkle with coloured sugar.

Bake 10 to 12 min. or until edges begin to brown. Let stand on baking sheets 2 min.; transfer to wire racks. Cool completely and then enjoy.

Happy Holidays
from all of us at Capital Direct!

From all of us at the Capital Direct family, we wish you a Happy Holidays
and may the New Year be a wonderful one! See you in 2014!

A Mortgage Payment That Fits

Susan S. of Toronto worked hard to build home equity, so when she
needed to take care of some expenses she was able to access it.
“We were looking for the funds to do a few things,” says Susan.
“We wanted to finish the renovations, pay for our daughter's tuition
and pay off some debt at the same time.

With a home equity loan from Capital Direct they had the situation covered.
“We now have a mortgage that works for us and a payment that fits,”
Susan added.

Every month, Capital Direct helps Canadians just like you to realize their dreams. What about you? Your home equity is something you've worked hard to build, so why not 'let your house lend a hand'© when you need it most! Contact a Capital Direct mortgage specialist to discover your options.

“Our mortgage specialist was very helpful.”

December Sudoku

	3
5	7	9
1

9
	3	1

		6
4

6	1

	2

	2	9

4	1

	4

	5	3


		7
4


5	8
		7

		5
2	1	4
	9

Click here to view the solution

Request our new booklet: Borrowing for Success

How to Borrow What You Need to Succeed Guide

Learn how you can use your home equity to your greatest advantage.
To receive your FREE copy of this informative new booklet, email us at [email protected] with the subject line: “New Guide Request”. Please include your full name and postal address, and we'll send you a copy via Canada Post.

Winter Safety Preparedness