Heaven forbid that any of us finds ourselves in an emergency situation.

Being the Girl Guide that I am, it is always best to “be prepared.”

Take a look at this short video on Emergency Preparedness so that you too can be ready and be organized.

Then read on for the following guidelines.

#1 Make a plan:  Take 15 minutes to make a family plan. Plan how you will meet or get in contact if you are not together at the time of the emergency.

Draw up a floor plan of your home that shows all possible exits from each room and from your home.

Keep copies of your plan in your emergency kit, your car and on your phone.

Have a neighbourhood plan. Are there people on your street or in your building that require extra help?

#2 Know basic first aid. Make sure your emergency kit has all the necessary items like band aids, swabs, rubbing alcohol etc. Keep a kit in your car and one in your master emergency kit.

#3 Make copies of important documents. Birth and marriage certificates, passports, licences, wills, land deeds and insurance. Keep these copies in your safety deposit box and or at a friend’s. Keep an up to date photo of all family members including pets and keep those photos both inside and outside of your home.

#4 Make note of any special heath needs. Keeping a record of medications required, allergies and medical conditions. Keep a copy of this in your emergency preparedness kit and on your phone.

#5 Have emergency contacts in your phone. Put ICE beside their name so authorities know “in case of emergency.”  Keep photocopies of these contact numbers in your kit.

#6 Dairorize to update your kit once per year.  Change the water, batteries, food and update any contact info.

#7 Safe home instructions. Make sure your carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm, fire extinguisher are in working order and that your first aid kit is well stocked.

Have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home and know how to use it.

Know how to turn off your homes’ water, gas and electricity. Keep shut off instructions close by.

#8 Keep a small amount of cash on hand. Cash machines, debit and or credit cards may not work in a time of emergency.

Emergency Kit

Basic Emergency Kit:

• Water
• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, protein bars, dried nuts and dried fruit. Replace once a year.
• Manual can opener
• Battery powered flashlight and extra batteries.
• Battery powered radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Spare keys to your house and car
• A copy of your plan and contact information
• Candles, matches, lighter.
• Change of clothing and footwear for each person
• Warm blankets
• Toiletries
• Hand Sanitizer
• Utensils
• Garbage bags
• Toilet paper
• Water purifying tablets
• Basic Tools such as hammer, screwdriver, work gloves, dust mask and pocket knife.
• A whistle
• Duct tape.

Emergency Vehicle Kit

• Blanket
• Candle and matches
• Extra clothing and shoes
• First aid kit with seat belt cutter
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Food that won’t spoil
• List of contact information
• Radio and batteries
• Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
• Warning light or road flares
• Water
• Whistle
• Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
• Fire extinguisher
• Road maps
• Sand or salt
• Tow rope and jumper cables.

Let’s hope we never have to use any of this information or items.

To all of our safety.

PS: What’s your resolution for this year when it comes to clearing the clutter and getting organized?
Book a free 15 minute mentoring session to discuss a game plan.
604-520-9550
www.gettingittogether.ca