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Emergency Supplies ChecklistBe Prepared!Being prepared should disaster strike is everyone's responsibility. Here is a checklist for emergency preparedness you and your family may wish to use to help you be better prepared:
Emergency Family Meeting PlaceIf a disaster occurs during the day or on a weekend, it is unlikely all family members will be at home. Involve all members of your family in selecting a meeting place. Be sure everyone knows exactly where it is. If the location is other than your home, make sure it is central to the locations your individual family members most frequently visit. Decide in advance on a system of communication. Be sure every family member carries identification at all times. Such identification could include: wallet cards, and clothing labels or metal"dog tags" with name, address and phone number. Health problems, such as diabetes or heart conditions, should be noted, as well as any allergies to medications. Top of Page Emergency SuppliesFirst Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit may mean the difference between life and death for an injured family member. It would be wise to make sure at least one family member has participated in emergency first aid courses, such as those offered by the Canadian Red Cross or St. John Ambulance. A Comprehensive list of first aid supplies. Top of Page FoodA key element to surviving a disaster is food. You and your family may choose to assemble an emergency food pack based on the following information. Food selected should fit this criteria: keeps without refrigeration; requires little or no preparation; meets family member needs (special diet); is familiar to all family members and is sealed to protect it from contamination. The food pack must be of small volume, and light and easy to transport if necessary. Minimum contents should be a three-day supply. It may be useful to determine the contents of your pack by planning your meals in advance. Here are some suggestions. Top of Page WaterA readily available, clean, sealed and re-sealable supply of drinking and cooking water is essential for survival. When preparing for an emergency situation, it is important to remember an adult requires a minimum of one litre of water per day. Reduced intake of water can adversely affect your health and ability to survive. It is reasonable to set aside an additional two litres of water per person for cooking. The most reliable source of clear water is pre-filled, stored and easily accessible plastic water containers, available at most hardware stores. Alternative safe sources could include: covered wells; protected springs; contents of your hot water tank or the reserve storage tank on a toilet. If no drinking water is available, liquids may be obtained from canned fruits and vegetables, and soft drinks. In an emergency, if no liquids are available, or if you are uncertain of the safety of the water, the following precautions can be taken: Water purification methods Top of Page ClothingBe ready for every eventuality in advance by planning now what clothing you will take with you and how to gather it quickly In extremely cold conditions, the secret of warmth is found in layered dressing. The area of greatest heat loss are the head and neck. When it is cold, wear a hat or scarf. In the summer, provide protection against the sun and heat. Clothing suggestions Top of Page Prescription MedicationCheck with your family physician concerning storage of prescription medications you or members of your family might require. Top of Page Other ItemsFor a complete emergency pack, consideration should be given to providing the following items:
For additional information:
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