Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

Wednesday, 22 July 2020 16:30

Massive storms on Sunday and a tornado touching down in Beachville highlights the need for every home to be equipped with a 72 hour emergency kit.

OXFORD COUNTY - Massive storms on Sunday and a tornado touching down in Beachville highlights the need to be prepared in the case of an emergency.

Oxford County has a web site dedicated to this. www.Oxford72hours.ca has all the resources you need to make sure you and your family are prepared in the case of an emergency. One thing every household should have is a 72 hour emergency survival kit. Residents should be prepared to cope without electricity, heat and water or an evacuation.

The kit should include items such as:

- Flashlight and batteries
- Radio and batteries or crank radio
- Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
- First-aid kit
- Telephone that can work during a power disruption
- Candles and matches/lighter
- Extra car keys and cash
- Important papers (identification)
- Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat items that do not require refrigeration)
- Manual can opener
- Bottled water (2 litres per person per day)
- Clothing and footwear
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Toilet paper and other personal items
- Medication
- Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)

It is also a good idea to keep the following items in your car, in case of an emergency:

- Car Kit
- Shovel
- Sand, salt or kitty litter for traction
- Traction mats
- Tow chain or rope
- Compass
- Cloth or roll of paper towels
- Warning light or road flares
- Extra clothing and footwear
- Non-perishable food and water
- Axe or hatchet
- Small tool kit
- Booster cables
- Ice scraper and brush
- Road maps
- Matches and a “survival” candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light)
- Fire extinguisher
- Methyl hydrate (for fuel line and windshield de-icing)
- Flashlight and batteries
- First-aid kit with seatbelt cutter
- Blanket

And if you have pets, it's a good idea to add the following items to your survival kit:

- Carrier or cage big enough for the pet to stand, stretch and turn around and room for food and water
- Proof of vaccinations
- Plastic bags
- A five day supply of food and water
- Any necessary medications
- Any special dietary needs
- Bowls for food and water
- Cat litter pan and supplies
- Collar and leash