Emergency Kits In Brant County

Saturday, 16 November 2019 08:09

Brant County is reminding residents to have a 72-hour emergency kit in case of a winter storm.

BRANT COUNTY - Residents in Brant County are being reminded to have a 72-hour emergency kit on them in case of a winter storm.

Emergency Management Program Manager for Brant County and City of Brantford Kent Pottruff says it's important to have one with you.

"Heavy snowfall and ice can make the roads treacherous and interrupt the power supply. Everyone should keep an emergency kit of crucial supplies in case an emergency happens and utilities are out, roads are closed or you can't leave your home. Prepare to take care of yourself and your family for up to three days. Make sure everyone in your family knows where your emergency kit items are stored."

The County says winter storms kill more Canadians than tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, floods and hurricanes combined.

They say some of the most important things to include in an emergency kit are a radio, an extra week of any medical supplies your family needs such as extra eyeglasses and an extra oxygen cylinder and at least a three-day supply of food, including ready-to-eat foods that don't need to be refrigerated like canned food, crackers and peanut butter.

Other items include:

- Specialty items such as baby formula and diapers.
- At least four litres of water per person in your house (2L for drinking, 2L for food preparation, hygiene and dishwashing).
- A supply of water purification tablets.
- At least three days' supply of pet food and water.
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Candles and matches/lighter
- Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
- Garbage bags
- Contact list

Pottruff says to also check with the weather before travelling on the roads.

"Having an emergency kit in your car is also important. Having items such as a small shovel, a bag of sand, a flashlight and a blanket can make an important difference if you become stranded in your vehicle during a snow storm. Check the weather forecast before venturing out and avoid unnecessary travel when road conditions deteriorate."

They say to listen to your local radio station or download the weatherCAN app, which can be found here, to stay informed on the winter weather.

To learn more about emergency kits and how to be prepared, you can visit their website.