Outages: what to pack in your household emergency kit
theweathernetwork.com
Monday, September 10, 2018, 5:00 AM - When the power goes out – due to bad weather, or any other reason – it’s important to be prepared. Toronto Hydro recommends putting together a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit, so you’re not caught off-guard.
Getting started
First thing to do is find a spot to keep your emergency kit. Whatever the location, make sure all family members know where it is and can access it during a power outage.
Some basics to have in every kit include a flashlight, extra batteries, a radio (hand crank or battery powered), first aid kit, cash, non-perishable food and lots of water.
To make it easy to get started, Toronto Hydro has an emergency preparedness guide that can be downloaded at torontohydro.com/emergencypreparedness.
Bottled water and extra food
Every kit should have enough items to last 72-hours. Think back to the 2013 ice storm – many people were without power in parts of the city for several days as Toronto Hydro crews worked to restore power.
This means having at least four litres of water per person per day. For one person, that’s 12 litres of water. This can be used for drinking, cleaning or bathing.
Remember, during an extended power outage, the water supply may be affected, especially in a highrise building.To keep yourself and your family fed, pack some non-perishable food.
If you’re including canned goods, don’t forget about a manual can opener. Other food items that are recommended include powdered milk, dried fruits and peanut butter (but be aware of any allergies).
Staying connected
Even without electricity, there are still ways to stay connected to the outside world. A battery-powered or crank radio is helpful to provide access to media reports, weather information and more. And as we rely more and more on our smart phones, having a portable power bank to recharge your device can help you stay in touch with family and friends and also receive the latest outage updates from Toronto Hydro through social media or OutageTO, a site that’s activated during larger emergencies.
A landline telephone will also allow you to make calls during an emergency – but remember – cordless phones won’t work without electricity.
Medication and first-aid
If you, or anyone in your family regularly takes medication, you’ll want to make sure that you have an extra supply of prescription drugs in your kit. If any medication is meant to be kept cold, having a small cooler or an ice pack included in your kit is a must.
In case of any accidental bumps in the night, it’s crucial to include first aid supplies in the emergency kit, complete with bandages, rubbing alcohol and cotton pads. Hand sanitizer is also a good idea.
Stash some cash
Many of us rely on our debit and credit cards to make daily purchases, but those machines don’t work without electricity. Neither do ATMs. It’s important to have some cash in your kit to get you through an outage as some small businesses will be able to remain open, even if they’re in the dark. You’ll want to be able to purchase emergency items if necessary.
Customize your kit
Every household is different, so every emergency kit should be unique. If you’ve got infants or small children, make sure to include baby formula, diapers and any other items small kids need. Think about including a pack of cards, board games or even crayons and paper, these can go a long way to entertain while the television isn’t working or it’s not safe to go outside.
Don’t forget about your pets
If you’ve got pets, they’re members of the family too. Your kit should include some pet food, extra water as well as a leash, ID tags and medical records.
By following these tips, you and your family will be ready for the next time a storm knocks out the power.
