As the end of Emergency Preparedness Week approaches, the Province of BC has issued some tips and an outline of what supplies should be readily available in your home in case of a disaster such as flooding or a fire.
Following a natural crisis, you may be forced to stay at home with your emergency kit, or evacuate on short notice and grab your to-go bag. The province says you should prepare now before it's too late.
Photo: Province of B.C. Emergency kits and grab-and-go bags are slightly different, and here are what each collections should be compiled of.
Emergency Kits:
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Phone charger/battery pack
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kits and medicine
- Personal toiletries and hygiene products
- Important documents (insurance papers, emergency plan, etc.)
- Cash
- Garbage bags
- Seasonal clothing and footwear
- Emergency blanket
- Whistle
- Dust masks (if you're in an area that is prone to earthquakes)
- Help sign
Emergency kits should be stored in plastic bins or duffel bags, and should be in a spot in your house that is easily accessible.
For a grab-and-go bag, it should essentially be a smaller version of what your emergency kit is. The recommended items for your grab-and-go bag are:
- Ready-to-eat food and water
- Phone charger/battery bank
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Extra batteries
- Small first-aid kit and medicine
- Personal toiletries and hygiene products
- Important documents (insurance papers, emergency plan, etc.)
- Cash
- Local map with your family meeting place identified
- Seasonal clothing and footwear
- Emergency blanket
- Pen and notepad
- Whistle
Not all households are the same, so supply lists may vary. The province also has recommendations for households with seniors and pets.
- By John Lawless / Castanet
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