Do you know what to do in the case of a major emergency?

by Morinville News Staff

The Town of Morinville is asking residents if they are ready for potential emergencies that could happen in the community and encouraging residents to put together their 72-hour kit.

Though the Town has no special inside track on potential emergencies that could happen tomorrow or into the future, they are taking part in Emergency Preparedness Week, a national event put on by Public Safety of Canada during the first week of May.

During Emergency Preparedness Week, the Town of Morinville and the Alberta Emergency Management Agency encourage residents to take some steps to keep their families safe.

“The Town of Morinville has an emergency preparedness plan, as well as staff trained in order to assist in case of a community emergency,” said David Schaefer, Director of Community & Protective Services, in a release Thursday afternoon. “This includes training for access to the Province’s Emergency Alert Messaging system, which is crucial public messaging during an emergency event.”

Schaefer and his staff say now is the time to prepare a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit, as well as to develop an emergency plan.

The kit is low cost and easy to prepare, and essential to have on hand in case of an emergency as it can take some time for emergency workers to reach someone in an emergency situation. As such, the kit should have items necessary to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.

Experts suggest a basic kit should include the following:

Water – min 2 litres of water per person per day; include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order

Canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace food and water once a year)

Manual can-opener

Crank or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) or Weather Radio

First aid kit

Extra keys to your car and house

Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills

A copy of your emergency plan and contact information

Other items such as prescription medication, infant formula, and equipment for people with disabilities
Recommended additional items:

Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning

Candles and matches or lighter (place candles in deep, sturdy containers)

Change of clothing and footwear for each household member

Sleeping bag/blankets for each household member

Toiletries/toilet paper

Hand sanitizer

Utensils

Garbage bags

Water purifying tablets

Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust mask, pocket knife)

A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)

Duct tape (to tape up windows, doors, air vents, etc.)

USB stick with copies of all important documentation

Brochures on emergency preparedness are available at Civic Hall (10125-100 Ave). Residents can also get more information at www.getprepared.gc.ca.

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