The Government of Canada issued an emergency preparedness guide. In it, there are some key things you can do to be ready in the event of an emergency.
The guide recommends to prepare for at least 72 hours. In a disaster, it is possible it could take three days to receive help.
Here’s how to prepare:
1.) Make an emergency plan. Sit down with your family and plan how to meet and contact one another during an emergency. Keep the plan in an easy to find place and make copies for work and the car.
2.) Water – at least two litres per person per day. Placed in small containers that can be carried easily in the event of an evacuation order.
3.) Food – non perishable items such as canned food, energy bars, and dried foods. Both food and water should be replaced at least once per year.
To open the food, keep a manual can opener with it.
4.) Wind-up or battery powered flashlight and radio, with extra batteries.
5.) First aid kit and ideally first aid training.
6.) Extra keys to your house and car.
7.) Some cash in small bills and change.
8.) Any medication, infant formula, equipment for persons with disabilities, and pet food.
9.) A copy of your emergency plan and contact information.
10.) Other items recommended to be in an emergency kit include candles, extra clothing, sleeping bags/blankets, toiletries, hand sanitizer, utensils, garbage bags, household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets, basic tools, whistle, and duct tape.
To download the guide, click here.
For more information about what do during a flood, check out this guide or this pamphlet.