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Emergency Preparedness Week: May 3-9, 2009

April 20, 2009

Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is an annual event that takes place each year during the first full week of May. This national event is coordinated by Public Safety Canada, in close collaboration with the provinces and territories and our partners.

Step 1 – Know the risks
Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to your community and your region can help you better prepare. Find out what the hazards are in your region.

Step 2 – Make a plan
It’s easy and essential. Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do if disaster strikes. Make your own plan and print it out today.

Step 3 – Get a kit
It’s a good idea to have an emergency kit in your home. It doesn’t take long – find out what goes into an emergency kit, or where you can buy one. An emergency kit helps ensure you and your family are ready to cope on your own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency.

In case of a major event you will need some basic supplies set aside. That way you will always be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours while emergency workers focus on people in urgent need.
A basic emergency kit should contain water (at least 2 litres per person per day), food (that won’t spoil… canned, energy bars, fried food), can opener, a working flashlight and extra batteries, battery or crank radio, first aid kit, specialty items (prescriptions, baby food & formula, equipment for disabled people), extra keys (to your home, car, etc.), cash (smaller bills, change for payphones) and your emergency plan.

Many of the items required in an emergency kit are found in most people’s homes. It’s just a question of taking some time and putting them together as your emergency kit.

Find out what goes into a basic emergency kit and supplement it with additional emergency/survival supplies. Also, drivers could consider packing an emergency car kit. You can also find out where to buy an emergency kit.

Get started now – get a kit and take a first step to Get Prepared!

For more valuable emergency preparedness information check here.

Written by Deb · Filed Under Community, Emergency, theOwen Features 

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