THUNDER BAY — This week is set aside each year to remind people to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Preparedness Week is a good reminder to have enough things on hand for at least 72 hours, that's typically how long it will take crews to restore power, deal with flooding, or other emergencies.
Essentials to have according to Ontario's website:
- food (non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items) and enough for three days
- packaged water (allot four litres per person/day, in addition to water purification tablets in case the water gets contaminated
- medications (something to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about)
- cash, in small bills
- a portable light source, crank radio, batteries
- first aid kit
- important documents; ie copies of your ID, emergency contact lists, copies of prescriptions
- extra set of house/car keys
An integral part of the emergency plan is that each family member is aware of the plan and its related items. An emergency plan includes a location for everyone to meet in the case of separation, or contact information if someone isn't reachable.
It's also recommended that the plan be reviewed each year and updated accordingly. It's also a good time to refresh the items in the kit and to double check those expiry dates and refill what's needed.
