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Build Your Winter Preparedness Emergency Kit

 

BUILD YOUR EMERGENCY KIT

 

With the ongoing effects of climate change causing more extreme weather in our city, more than ever residents need to be prepared for the unpredictable. Having a 72-hour emergency checklist is an essential tool to provide resources and peace of mind in an emergency. Take the time now to build your household kit so you can stay safe and be prepared.

It’s also wise to prepare a kit for your car.  There will be similarities in contents, but, for example, water would freeze and energy bars would be better than canned goods in a car.

 

ESSENTIAL KIT ITEMS:

■          Water – 4L per person per day (for 3 to 7 days)

■          Food – canned and non-perishable items (supply for at least 3 days)

■          Manual can opener

■          Flashlight – hand-crank or battery-powered

■          First aid kit

■          Radio – hand-crank or battery-powered

■          Batteries (various sizes), phone charger battery pack

■          Matches, lighter, candles

■          Spare keys (house, vehicle)

■          Cash (bills & coins) (ATMs & Credit systems may be down)

■          Knife or multi-tool

■          Rolls of toilet paper

■          Hand sanitizer

■          Garbage bags/Ziploc bags

■          Whistle

■          Notepad and pen

■          Copies of important papers (wills, insurance policies, ID, etc), stored in a waterproof container.

 

SPECIAL ESSENTIAL ITEMS:

■          Basic toiletries

■          Masks, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes

■          Medications (prescribed as well as a supply of over-the­ counter drugs such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives)

■          MEDICAL NEEDS: Back-up medical supplies or equipment – with power source if required

■          CHILDREN: Infant food/ formula, diapers, wipes, bottles, comfort items

■          PETS: Pet food, supplies, medication

 

ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO CONSIDER:

■          Blanket or sleeping bag per person

■          Camp stove & fuel (remember to only use outdoors in a well-ventilated area)

■          Seasonal clothes and foot­ wear, including winter hats & gloves

■          Playing cards or small board game(s)

■          Water purifying tablets

■          Household chlorine bleach

■          Roll of duct tape

■          Tarp

■          Rope or string

■          Work gloves

■          Fire extinguisher

 

 

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY HYDRO OTTAWA.

 

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