Bruce County urges people to be prepared with winter home emergency kit

Winter is back and the region has already experienced significant snow and winter weather events.

Bruce County’s emergency management division reminds the public that having an emergency preparedness kit at home will help ensure that you and your family can remain safe for a number of days in the event of an emergency. It is important to refresh your home emergency kit a few times every year, especially for the winter months, with items that will keep families comfortable and warm.

Heavy snow and freezing rain could cause downed power lines, resulting in power failures. Make sure your home emergency kit has items that will sustain your household in the event of a power outage.

Recommendations for your winter home emergency kit:
 

• Have a back-up generator to help with lights and heat for your home during a power outage.
• If having a generator is not an option, identify a room that can be kept contained in order to retain as much heat as possible. Keep the door closed in order to keep the heat in.
• Warm blankets or thermal blankets, wool socks, and extra mitts and hats should also be available in your kit, even for use in your home.
• Have at least one flashlight with batteries to assist once it gets dark.
• Non-perishable food and water are also key items all year round.

“Extra consideration should be taken for your home emergency kit during the winter months,” says Ray Lux, Bruce County emergency management co-ordinator. “Power outages can have more implications for your family with cold weather. Make sure your kit has the appropriate supplies to help keep your family safe and warm in the event of a power failure during a winter storm.”

Discover more tips for how to build a home emergency kit:
 

• Making an emergency kit (Canada)
• Be prepared for an emergency (Ontario)

Discover more about emergency preparedness at www.brucecounty.on.ca/getprepared.