Although the signs suggest Southern Ontario is about to enjoy a relatively mild winter (compared to years past), it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for every eventuality. The saying, “better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it,” can relate to jackets, sweaters, blankets, canned goods potable water, gas … you get the picture.
In 2013, hundreds of homes across Ontario were left without power for days, almost weeks, as the province coped with the unexpected ice storm that downed branches and caused major damage that took months to rectify. We don’t want you to be caught unaware this year.
The Red Cross recommends – and we fully agree – you keep a disaster preparedness kit year round that is stocked with enough supplies to meet your family’s needs for at least 72 hours. While it’s likely you have the basic components that make up a proper emergency kit lying around the house already, it is important to make sure that they are organized, and that your kit is easy to find, access and carry in case you need to get out in a hurry.
The most basic winter preparedness kit should include the following supplies:
- Water
- Non-perishable food items including canned goods, crackers, etc
- Manual can opener
- Crank or battery-operated flashlight
- Battery-operated or crank radio
- Extra batteries for all battery operated emergency gear
- Extra keys, for your house and car
- First aid kit
- Cash in small bills
- Special needs items (i.e. medications, infant formula)
- Personal hygiene items
- Important family documents (i.e. copies of birth and marriage certificates, passports, licenses, wills, land deeds and insurance)
- A copy of your emergency plan
Even if you packed your kit last year, it’s important to check it at least once a season to ensure none of the items have passed their expiration date and to restock as needed.
Other items you may want to consider adding to your preparedness kit may include:
- A comfortable, warm change of clothing and footwear for each family member
- Warm blankets or sleeping bags
- Plastic sheeting or tarp
- Scissors or a pocket knife
- Whistle
- Pet food, medications
- Garbage bags
- Toilet paper
- Small tool kit
- Duct Tape
Though prepping an emergency kit and stocking your pantry shelves with canned goods and boxes of Kraft Dinner may make you feel a little bit like a survivalist. A little prep now and you can (and will) save you inevitable stress of coping with an emergency situation in the middle of the winter.
