Wildfires, floods, tornados, hurricanes: Are you prepared?
In the past twelve months in Canada, we have experienced extreme wildfires in British Columbia, Alberta, the Northern Territories, and Quebec. Nova Scotia and Ontario have experienced record-breaking floods due to unusual weather phenomena. Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada have had hurricanes, record heat, and droughts. Our world is changing, and climate-induced weather is increasingly affecting us, often with little or no warning.
As a society, we are trying to reverse or slow the effects our consumption of resources has had on our planet’s climate. On an individual level, more than ever we should be prepared for unexpected situations and have an emergency preparedness kit ready and accessible all of the time.
If you already have one, good for you; if not, consider using this checklist based on suggestions from the Canadian Red Cross and put one together sooner rather than later.
Priority Items*
__ Flashlights and batteries or hand-cranked flashlights. LED models are preferable as they use less power and last longer.
__ Radio and batteries or a hand-cranked model. During recent events, many people complained about the lack of accessible internet and information; if you have a reliable AM/FM radio it can provide useful and timely information.
__ Battery-powered or hand-crank phone charger: Prepare for situations where you may not have access to electricity.
__ First Aid Kit Including bandages, antiseptic, tape, tweezers, scissors, afterbite and first-aid cream, sunscreen, bug spray, and prescription medications. Additionally, consider adding feminine hygiene products, especially pads for their intended use as well as for secondary purposes. Plan on including several dust masks to help filter contaminated air.
Paul’s note: Maintaining your Standard First Aid/CPR C is an excellent idea.
__ Medications and personal health supplies like glasses. While these items may not need to be stored in your emergency kit, ensure they are included during an emergency.
__ Three days’ supply of canned food and manual can opener, dried foods (fruit, nuts, and energy bars), and bottled water; including planning on 1 gallon of water per person per day. Replace canned food and dry goods twice a year.
__ Toilet Paper and other personal supplies. Do not underestimate the importance of these most basic of needs. Include several plastic bags and ties.
__ Supplies and comfort items for your children. A favorite toy and/or books or games, supplies like diapers, and baby wipes for infants. Baby wipes are also good to include regardless as they are quick and easy to wash up for anyone.
__ If you have pets, remember their needs as well. As with yourself and your family, have enough food and water for a minimum of three days. Prepare a carry case, and a leash, and spend time to reassure them as they will find it as stressful as you.
__ Appropriate seasonal clothing: Including gloves, hats, and sturdy shoes or boots. (weather appropriate). Consider an umbrella or rain poncho as well.
__ Include emergency blankets as they are compact and lightweight blankets and useful for warmth and for anyone experiencing shock. Consider adding sleeping bags if possible.
__ Money. In an emergency, banks and ATMs may not be operating, and having small denominations of cash and coins is a good idea. I keep $100 in cash available you choose whatever you believe to be appropriate.
__ Matches, whistle, and a signaling mirror. Carry the matches in a waterproof container. Use wooden matches if possible and have several candles for light and warmth. A whistle is good for attracting close-in attention, and a reflective surface or a mirror is helpful to attract medium or long-distance attention.
Important but Secondary Items.
__ Keep your vehicle fuel topped off. In many emergency situations, accessing fuel can become a bottleneck. If you anticipate an emergency situation is developing don’t let your vehicle drop below ¾ of a tank.
__ Extra car keys. If you have to evacuate quickly, having an extra set of keys can be helpful as misplacing your keys can cause unneeded extra stress.
__ Important papers such as Health Cards, passports, birth certificates, Insurance forms, contact information, bank account numbers, and passports. While not important during an emergency they may be difficult to replace should something happen to your home.
__ Emergency contact information: Phone numbers for family members, doctors, and local emergency services.
__ Small tent or emergency shelter. The additional protection could be invaluable; however, space may become an issue depending on transportation.
__ A fire extinguisher can be useful, particularly an ABC type for use on a variety of fire types. Remember, extinguishers only last for a moment and are designed for small fires or to help you escape.
__ Swiss Army knives or similar tools typically are small, inexpensive, and have a variety of uses.
__ Local maps incase GPS is unavailable.
__ A small round mouth shovel. A small camping shovel is appropriate, doesn’t take up much space, and can be very helpful in burying waste if sanitation is an issue.
__ Extra fuel for a backup generator and/or propane stove. Standby or emergency generators can help bridge power outages; however, depending on the length of the outage, they will need more fuel, oil, and even a cooling-off period.
In General
The best way to avoid panic and accidents is to be prepared and recognize the warnings of a pending emergency. Experts recommend checking, replenishing, and updating your kit(s) after an emergency. An important reminder when using generators or outdoor stoves for cooking is not to use them in an enclosed space.
After an event, replenish your supplies and service your backup generator if you have one.
Do you need to have everything on this checklist ready all the time?
Not likely; but even pre-positioning some of the items will make a difference. When extreme events begin to threaten your community as would have happened in the situation I began this post with. Start by monitoring your local news and weather if there is even a slight risk of flooding or fire then accumulate the appropriate items for your kit as soon as possible.
I hope you never need to use any of these tools; however, should you experience an extreme weather event, the better prepared you and your family are, the better you will be to emerge from the other side.
Good luck,
Paul.
Source: Canadian Red Cross, Emergency Preparedness Kit Handout, 2022 and personal experience.