HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-05-04, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017. PAGE 7.
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72 7 -lour Emergency Wit
Your kit should have everything you and your family would need to be safe
and take care of yourselves for at least three days immediately
following an emergency
72 Hour
Emergency Kit
Essentials
Food (non-perishable/easy-to-prepare items,
enough for 3 days)
A manual can opener
Bottled water (4 litres per person for each day)
Medication(s)
Flashlight
Radio (crank or battery -run)
Extra batteries
First-aid kit
Candles and matches/lighter
Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
Important papers (identification, contact lists, copies of
prescriptions, etc.)
Extra car keys and cash
Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
Zip -lock bag (to keep things dry)
Garbage bags
Special Considerations
Items for babies/small children — diapers, formula, bottles,
baby food, comfort items
Prescription medication
Medical supplies and equipment
Pet food and supplies
Any other items specific to your family's needs
The following list is broken down
into the essentials, items you
may need to meet your
family's unique needs, and items to
have ready in case you have to
leave your home
Extra Supplies for Evacuation
Clothes, shoes
Sleeping bags or blankets
Personal items (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, comb,
other toiletries)
Playing cards, travel games, other activities for children
Other Tips
Check and refresh your kit twice a year – when clocks shift
in spring/fall is a good time.
Check batteries and replace as needed.
Check all expiry dates and replace food and water with a
fresh supply.
Keep your cell phone or mobile device fully charged.
Pack the contents of your kit in an easy -to -carry bag(s)
or a case on wheels.
Store your kit in a place that is easy to reach/ensure your
family knows where it is.
Your kit does not have to be built overnight.
(Spread your shopping over a few weeks. Purchase a few
items every time you shop.)
Your water supply is meant to cover what you would drink and
what you might need for food preparation, hygiene and
dishwashing.
WATCH OUT!
Your safety is your first priority during an
emergency. Your route to medical personnel
may be blocked. If the emergency has
caused several injuries your access to
medical care may be delayed.
TAKE THESE PRECAUTIONS DURING AN
EMERGENCY TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY.
• Barbecues and cookstoves are designed for cooking outside.
During an emergency, it's wise to keep them outside.
Barbecues, cookstoves and kerosene lamps release dangerous
fumes which can overcome you if they are used indoors where
there is little ventilation. Keep in mind that you won't know if
fumes have reached a dangerous level. During a power outage
only battery operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
will be functioning.
• Learn how to connect your generator before you need to use it.
Although generators make dealing with an emergency a little
easier, they can be a danger if they are not hooked up properly.
If it is wired into the municipal wires, linemen working to
restore power can be electrocuted.
Linemen do not know if a generator is in use and
will assume the lines are dead during a power outage.
• If there is a power outage, turn off the main switch. Unplug
and turn off the appliances. Also turn off the water taps
connected to your washing machine and dishwasher. When the
power is restored, plug in only the most essential appliances,
leaving other items for a few hours.