May 5th to 11th is Emergency Preparedness Week, and Lacombe County wants to know if you are 72-Hour Ready?
When the time comes, and an emergency happens, it’s crucial to know and understand the who, what, when, where, why, and how of being prepared because in an emergency there is no time. A key component of being prepared is to create a 72-Hour kit for you and your family.
“It’s always best to be ready before an emergency, these steps can save time if the unexpected were to occur,” said Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management.”
Lacombe County created a video to encourage and show people how to be “72-Hour Ready”. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp9Y3LrAdl8&t=17s.
Be 72-Hour Ready
A 72-Hour Kit contains a variety of everyday items, packaged together to make it easy to grab when needed, like if the power went out for an extended period or if you needed to evacuate. There is no one way to make a kit, but every kit should include:
- Water
- Warmth (blankets, dry clothes)
- Food (non-perishable, nuts, granola bars)
- First Aid
- Light (don’t forget extra batteries)
- Radio
- Other components could include a wireless charging block, medications, important documents, candles, and plastic plates.
“Being 72-Hour Ready means knowing the risks, making a plan, practicing your plan, and having a 72-hour kit ready – it’s really simple, but far too few people take the time to get themselves adequately prepared,” said Bussiere.
About Emergency Preparedness Week
Emergency Preparedness Week is an opportunity to encourage Canadians to take concrete actions to be better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies. This year’s theme is “Be Emergency Ready.”
While governments at all levels are working hard to keep Canada safe, everyone has a role to play in being prepared for an emergency; and being prepared means having the knowledge and equipment necessary to better cope during a crisis. There are many ways to “Be Emergency Ready”.
Learn more at www.getprepared.gc.ca, and find links and resources to help you and your family better prepare for possible disasters.
-Submitted by Lacombe County