Winter is here again, and with the season come a number of challenges and potential hazardous situations for which we all need to take extra precautions.
Most of us are aware of the more common precautions we should take, such as driving with caution and dressing for the weather, but there are many other safety measures we can exercise, and the City’s Emergency Planning Coordinator, Denis Vassart, is working to create more awareness of these items.
It is important to make sure you are prepared for an emergency whether at home or on the road, said Vassart. Ensure you have Emergency Preparedness Kits both at home and in your vehicles.
A Home Emergency Kit should contain items such as: an extra set of car keys and house keys, first aid kit, blankets or sleeping bag, special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members, any special medications necessary for period of at least one week, battery powered radio and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, bottled water sufficient for at least three days, a three-day supply of non-perishable or canned foods, candles, matches and/or cigarette lighter, and sanitation supplies (soap, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, pre-moistened towlettes, waste containers, feminine hygiene products, etc.).
Vehicles should have two Emergency Kits, one for the trunk and one for in the vehicle. Items in the trunk kit should include: shovel, sand, salt, tow chain, booster cables, fire extinguisher, warning light or flares, and extra clothing. The kit in the cab of the vehicle should include: a flashlight, blanket, first aid kit, matches, candles (in a deep can to warm hands or heat a drink) and an emergency food pack.
