Is your family prepared for an emergency? May 6 - 12, 2012 is Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada; the perfect time to make sure that you have everything you need in a pinch.
Home
Drastic situations can occur at any time and without warning. In Alberta, we face raging winds, tornadoes, possible flooding, heatwaves and freezing temperatures; all of which could shut down the cities we populate in an instant. So what can we do to prepare for dire circumstances?
1. Have an Emergency Plan. With your family, put together a list of phone numbers, addresses, passwords and other important information as well as a step by step plan of attack should any emergency arise.
2. Create or purchase a 72-hour emergency kit. If the power goes out and you're not able to leave the house for a few days, you should be self sufficient. An emergency kit should include:
- fresh, clean water
- can opener
- non-perishable food (replace yearly)
- flashlight and batteries
- crank-radio
- cash
- first aid kit
- your emergency plan
- special items: baby formula, prescriptions, glasses, etc.
- backpack
- copies of auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance and other documents that prove ownership
Keep your items in an easy to store container that can be pulled out at a moment's notice and make sure that all household members know where it is.
Car
Because these situations are unpredictable, keeping an emergency kit in your car is imperative as well. It is especially important in Alberta where our weather can be extreme at any time of the year. A well stocked emergency kit should include:
- food (protein bars, chocolate bars and dried fruit are easy to keep and don't take up too much space)
- fresh water
- blankets
- extra clothing
- first aid kit
- multi-tool
- candle and matches
- flashlight
- whistle
- road flares or warning lights
With just a few simple preparations, you and your family can rest easy that if something unforseeable were to happen, you'd be prepared.
