Emergency Response - Home Survival Kits
Disaster Preparedness Includes Survival Gear, Food and Water
May 1, 2009
Emergency Preparedness Week 2009 is an awareness program to educate Canadians that at any given moment disaster can strike. Developing a disaster plan isn't just for governments. Families and individuals must take responsibility to have emergency supplies on hand and to know what to do when disaster happens.
Step One: Know the Possibilities
Canada is a country that experiences extreme weather conditions. There are various weather patterns across all regions that come with several natural hazards. It's important to know all the possibilities of what natural disasters can affect the area.
There's more to prepare for than just ice storms, tornadoes and floods. On November 10, 1979, over 200,000 people were evacuated from Mississauga, Ontario, when a freight train hauling explosive and poisonous chemicals derailed. This was the largest peacetime evacuation in North America prior to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In 2003, there was a massive black-out across Eastern Canada and Northeast U.S., that brought life to a halt for millions of people ranging from hours to several days.
Having two plans in place is essential: one for remaining in the home and the second for evacuation.
Step Two: Develop a Comprehensive Plan
A family emergency plan helps in curtailing panic at a time when being calm is important. Every household across Canada and world-wide, needs to have two emergency plans. (One for staying in the home and one for evacuation.) Things to think about when developing a plan:
- Safe exits from the home and neighborhood.
- Meeting places to reunite family or loved ones.
- Designate a person to pick up children if a parent is unable.
- Health information.
- Have an “old-fashioned” land line phone that does not use electricity. Tell loved ones to also have one on hand.
- Possible risks in the area.
- Place for pets to go in order to be safe in case of an evacuation.
- Location of the home fire extinguisher, water shut-off valve, electrical box, and floor drain.
Step Three: Preparing a Kit
Having food and water supplies to last minimum seventy-two hours is generally recommended, however, the larger the supplies, the better. Also, have extra food available for family pets. Keep in mind that if in the home, there may be no electricity. Some of these items are essential to have:
- Traditional land line telephone (not a portable).
- Manual can opener.
- Extra propane tank for the barbecue.
- Preferably solar power flashlights and radios (if not battery-operated).
- First-aid kit that includes medication for headaches or allergies.
- A good supply of prescription medications if required for an individual's well-being.
- Extra keys for the home and vehicles.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Cash is always recommended to have on hand (small bills) in the home. Always keep quarters in the event that wireless telecommunication systems are out of service and a pay phone must be used.
- Special needs items – infant formula, diapers, or equipment for people with disabilities.
- Without electricity to pump water back into the tank after flushing, lots of extra water to flush is a must.
Every member of the family should have a small packed bag on hand in the event of evacuation. People who have experienced evacuation know the horror of having only the clothing on their backs. The need for fresh clothing, hand sanitizer, snacks, a small water supply and something to occupy the time (such as a book, crossword puzzle, etc.) will help in alleviating stress.
And Finally...
Have fun things to do in order to pass time. Society today is too reliant on wireless technology and electricity for using computers, television and game systems to occupy their spare time. Board games, a deck of cards, puzzles, books, magazines and battery-operated hand held games will help to pass time.
Emergency Preparedness Week is on us, be sure to take the time to plan and prepare.
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