Assemble An Emergency Supplies Kit
For your car:
- Shovel, ice scraper, and brush
- Sand, salt, or kitty litter
- Traction mats
- Booster cables
- Tow chain
- Methyl hydrate (for fuel line and windshield de-icing)
- First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Flashlight
- Road maps
- Warning light or road flares
- Emergency food pack
- Extra clothing and footwear
- Cloth or roll of paper towels
- Axe or hatchet
- Compass
- Matches and a "survival" candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light)
- Blanket (special "survival" blankets)
For Your Home:
- "Special needs" items for any member of your household (infant formula or items for people with disabilities or older people)
- First-aid supplies (bandages, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic towelettes, assorted safety pins, cleansing agent or soap, cold pack, eyewash solution, cotton swabs, disposable gloves and face shield, gauze pads, hydrogen peroxide, lip balm, and prescription medications)
- A change of clothing for each household member (footwear as well)
- Candles and matches or lighter
- A sleeping bag or bedroll for each member
- Flashlight and batteries
- Battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries
- Duct tape
- Non-perishable food (this should be replaced every year)
- Bottled water
- Whistle
- Playing cards or games
- Toilet paper and other personal care supplies
- Basic tools (hammer, pliers/wrench, screwdriver set, an assortment of fasteners, work gloves)
- Extra car and house keys
- Some cash/traveller's cheques and copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports and licenses)
- Copies of essential documents - such as powers of attorney, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, life insurance beneficiary designations and a copy of your will - should also be kept in a safe location outside your home. Keeping these in a safe deposit box or the home of a friend or family member who lives out of town is a good idea.
What To Do During An Evacuation
During an evacuation, stay calm and follow instructions from emergency personnel. Evacuate quickly, using designated routes and avoiding elevators. Secure your space, gather essential items, and move to the designated assembly point. Keep noise to a minimum, assist those with disabilities, and monitor emergency information sources.
Before Evacuation:
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news and emergency alerts for evacuation orders and instructions.
- Prepare an Evacuation Kit: Gather essential items like medications, eyeglasses, identification, cash, and a change of clothes.
- Secure Your Home: Close and lock windows and doors, elevate valuables, and unplug electrical equipment.
- Notify Others: Inform family and friends of your evacuation plans and destination.
- Know Your Reception Center: Check with local authorities on where the reception center is. Make sure you check in so you can be accounted for.
During Evacuation:
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to the directions provided by emergency responders and evacuation plans.
- Evacuate Quickly: Leave immediately when instructed, but avoid running or pushing.
- Use Designated Exits: Utilize stairs instead of elevators, as elevators can be unreliable during emergencies.
- Close Doors Behind You: This helps slow the spread of fire and smoke.
- Assist Others: Help those with disabilities or those who may need assistance.
- Stay Low in Smoke: If smoke is present, crawl low to the ground, where the air is cleaner.
- Don't Re-enter: Do not return to the evacuated area until authorized by emergency personnel.
- Report Issues: If you see any hazards or injuries, notify emergency responders.
After Evacuation:
- Go to Assembly Point: Proceed to your designated meeting area to account for all evacuees.
- Monitor Emergency Information: Continue to follow local news and emergency alerts for updates.
- Stay Away from Hazard Areas: Avoid the evacuated area until it is deemed safe.
- Contact Family and Friends: Let them know you are safe and provide updates.
