Treacherous conditions on the roads and lengthy power outages after an ice storm across Eastern Canada has left many in dire situations and stands as a serious reminder to always be prepared.
The City of Red Deer’s Emergency Management Program strongly encourages all residents to prepare for emergencies by preparing ahead of time to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.
Public Safety Canada recommends every resident know the risks in their community, make a plan and prepare a kit.
Red Deer suggests a number of items for a basic emergency kit, including water, extra clothes, blankets and a battery-powered or wind-up radio. Other items that would be helpful include canned food, a manual can opener, energy bars, dried food, nuts and some cash.
The city also urges citizens to have an emergency travel kit in their vehicles, especially during the winter.
Car kits should include things such as non-perishable food, a candle in a deep can and matches, whistle, small shovel, jumper cables, tow rope, road flares and road maps and either a windup flashlight or battery operated flashlight.
Copies of personal documents (such as proof of insurance, passports, birth certificates and credit cards) and cash should also be stored in a waterproof container for both kits.
The Red Cross reminds Canadians that during an emergency, tap water can become polluted or the supply may be cut off.
“Canadians should store two litres of drinking water and two litres of water for washing per person, per day,” the organization states.
“Once per year, it is important to rotate your water supply and add fresh water to your kit.”
It’s also important to check the expiration dates of food in the kits once a year.
For a full list of things to include, visit: www.reddeer.ca/Residents/Emergency+Assistance/Preparing+for+an+Emergency/Preparedness+for+Residents/Emergency+Kits.htm
Additionally, more information of the Alberta government’s recommended emergency packs can be found at www.aema.alberta.ca/72_hour_emergency_kit.cfm