In the event of a prolonged emergency, would you have enough provisions for you and your family to last 72 hours?
This is Emergency Preparedness Week, and the theme this year is Be Prepared, Know Your Risks.
Chief Fire Prevention Officer for the St. Thomas Fire Department, Kim Destun, explains the significance of the week and some of the events to be prepared for.
Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. With a little preparation, you can respond quickly to help yourself and others.
In the event of an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water and should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
Destun explains why the time period may be as long as 72 hours, stressing the importance of an emergency supply kit.
It’s important to make sure your kit is easy to carry, and everyone in the household knows where it is.
Destun also outlines what needs to be included in an emergency kit.
She adds the importance of understanding the risks in your area, creating a household emergency plan, and building an emergency kit.
Destun notes help is available to help draw up your emergency plan.
It will take you about 20 minutes to make a family emergency plan online. You can then print it out.
Before starting, you will need to think about:
- Safe exits from home and neighbourhood
- Meeting places to reunite with family or roommates
- Designated person to pick up children should you be unavailable
- Contact persons close by and out-of-town
- Health and insurance information
- Places for your pet to stay
- Risks in your region
- Location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical panel, gas valve, and floor drain
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
