Emergency Preparedness Week: What you should have in your emergency kit
In the midst of Emergency Preparedness Week, emergency services remind the public to have essential items on-hand in the event of power outages, flooding, or other emergencies.
Such items include:
- non-perishable and easy-to-prepare food (enough for three days)
- packaged water (approximatey 4 litres per person/day) and water purification tablets
- medications
- cash in small bills
- portable light source
- crank radio
- batteries
- important documents (such as copies of your ID, emergency contact lists, copies of prescriptions)
- extra set of house/car keys
These items should be enough to last at least 72 hours, as that is typically how long it takes for emergency crews to respond. It is also recommended to refresh these items and double check expiry dates accordingly.
It is also important to ensure that every family member is aware of the emergency plan and the items included. As well as contact information and a designated location for everyone to meet in case of separation.