The power is out. The roads are impassible. Do you have what you need to take care of your family until the situation improves?
A 72-hour kit doesn’t have to be expensive and it doesn’t have to take up a lot of space. It just helps you take care of yourself, staying safe and comfortable, so that we as first responders can take care of those in greatest need.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Make it a family activity. Include your kids on the discussion and use it as a way to talk about emergencies, how you plan to communicate with one another about your whereabouts and how to evacuate the house if needed.
- Start slow. Store what you can today and accumulate other items bit by bit. Start with even one or two food cans each grocery trip.
- Let it roll: Make sure your kit is ‘to-go’ friendly, with wheels or able to be easily transported to your vehicle in case.
- Date stamp it: Pick a date to revisit restock items and write your inspection date on tape on the side of the kit. Put a recurring date in your calendar to see whether there are items to replace.
So, what do you put inside? Important documents, flashlight, radio, candles, food stuffs, items for kids and pets. The best kit is the one that works for you and your family. Visit calgary.ca/getready to learn more.
