Emergencies can happen any time of year. But being prepared during the winter months is especially important. Prolonged power outages, winter storm damages, house flooding, and emergency evacuations are all very real possibilities. Obviously, the more prepared you are, the easier it will be to weather whatever the next big storm brings your way. Here are some tips to help you and your family face Old Man Winter’s worst:
Make an Emergency Preparedness Kit
No household should be without one. Make it easy to find and make it easy to carry – but most of all, make it! Every basic emergency preparedness kit should contain:
- Enough bottled water for at least 3 days (2 litres per person per day). Note: small bottles are easiest to carry in case you need to evacuate your home.
- Food. Choose items your family will eat. Suggestions: canned meat, fruit and vegetables (don’t forget a can opener!); crackers; dry cereal; peanut butter; energy bars; nuts; juice boxes; infant foods if applicable.
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-operated radio
- First aid kit and personal hygiene items
- Prescription medicines and any specialty items your family may need
- Cash – small bills and change
- Emergency contact numbers
Remember to make sure everyone in your household knows where to find the emergency kit, and remember to replace all food and water in your kit once a year. It takes a little planning, but it could make a whole lot of difference the next time winter packs a wallop.