Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighbourhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if you did not have water, gas, electricity or telephones after a major emergency? No matter how well our community has planned their response to a disaster, in the event of a large-scale incident, first response resources may quickly become overwhelmed. To ensure the safety and well-being of you and your family, you should prepare now to take care of your own basic needs for at least the first 72 hours following a major disaster.
Points to consider include:
- Survival kit
- Water (three litres per person per day)
- Food (enough for at least three days preferably a week)
- Toilet facilites/ personal hygiene items
- Emergency lighting
- Emergency cooking
- Emergency clothing
- First aid kit
- Special supplies for babies
- Special supplies for pets
- Emergency radio (and spare batteries)
- Important documents
- Medication and Prescription copies.