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- Store at least a three-day supply of water for each member of your family
- Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
- Change your stored water supply every six months to ensure it stays fresh
Tip: A normally active person needs to drink at least two (2) litres of water each day. It is a good idea to have at least four (4) litres per person per day to provide additional water for washing, cooking, etc.
Ways to Purify Water:
- Boiling water for one (1) minute is an effective method of disinfection. Improve the taste by pouring it back and forth between two containers which puts oxygen back into it.
- Purification tablets are inexpensive and available at most sporting goods stores, some drugstores and on online sites (such as Amazon).
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Food
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Store at least a three (3) day supply of non-perishable food and select foods that do not require refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. See Power Outages for information on how to keep your food stored safely if the power goes.
Select food items that are compact and lightweight such as:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- Canned/tetra packed juices, milk and soup
- Staples such as sugar, salt, pepper, spices
- High energy foods (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix)
- Foods for infants, elderly people or people on special diets
- Comfort/stress foods – cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea bags, hot chocolate
Tip: Don’t forget a manual can opener, disposable utensils and non-perishable food for your pets.
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Generators
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While generators are nice to have during a storm, they are NOT a substitute for preparing a 72-hour kit with all your essentials. Generators can fail, and should be regularly serviced. Contact your local generator service provider for more details on keeping your generator ready for the next power outage.
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First Aid Supplies
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Purchase a complete first aid kit and first aid manual. Add personal care items such as toothpaste and soap, and a supply of non- prescription drugs such as:
- Pain relievers (e.g. acetaminophen)
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Antacid
- Laxative
TIP: If you must leave your home in an emergency, be sure to take prescription drugs with you as well as your MEDICAL ALERT BRACELET or IDENTIFICATION.
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Clothing and Bedding
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- One change of clothing and footwear (sturdy shoes or work boots) per person
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hat, gloves and scarves
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Special Items
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- Photocopies of important family records and documents in a waterproof, portable container
- List of medications including dosage and frequency
- Some cash in smaller bills and change for payphones
- Photos of family members in case you are separated
- Spare house and car keys
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Tools and Supplies
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- Battery-operated or wind up radio and flashlight (extra batteries)
- Candle
- Duct tape
- Compass
- Whistle
- Matches in waterproof container
- Plastic sheeting
- Paper and pen
- City map (for locating shelters)
- Emergency blanket
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Playing cards
Tip: Automated bank machines and their networks may not work during an emergency or blackout. You may have difficulty using debit or credit cards. |
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Pre-packaged kits
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Various pre-packaged emergency kits can be purchased at local retailers.
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For Individuals with Disabilities
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- Establish a personal support network of friends, relatives, health care providers, co-workers and neighbours who understand your special needs.
- Compile an inclusive list of medical requirements, medications, allergies and other special health needs specific to your circumstance.
- Keep a copy of this information in your emergency kit, and give a copy to your personal support network.
- Talk to your doctor about preparing an emergency kit, if possible, with a two-week supply of medication and medical supplies. Include prescriptions and medical documents. Remember that pharmacies may be closed for some time or you may not be able to get to one, even after an emergency is over.
- If you use a mobility device, include a tire patch kit, can of seal- in-air product, supply of inner tubes, pair of heavy gloves and a spare deep-cycle battery for motorized wheelchair or scooter.
- If you have a visual impairment, include an extra white cane, talking or Braille clock and any reading devices/assistive technology to access information.
- If you have a hearing impairment include extra writing pads and pencils for communication, pre-printed key phrases you would use during an emergency and extra batteries for assistive devices.
- Assistive devices and any other contingency supplies unique to your special needs.
Additional information for Emergency Preparedness for people with disabilities |
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Pets
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Prepare a pet emergency kit and keep it with your family kit. Include the following:
- Food and water
- ID tag and photo of you and your pet
- Emergency contact list of pet friendly hotels/motels outside your area, friends, relatives and your veterinarian
- Carrier large enough to transport your pet.
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