Knowing the risks around your home, community and region can help you better prepare for a disaster. Locally, we face a host of hazards like blizzards, floods and wildfires. In addition to natural disasters, there are other types of hazards, such as power outages and industrial or transportation accidents.

In Lac Ste. Anne County, a tornado can strike quickly with significant damage. Wildfires can threaten communities and restrict movement. Heavy rains can cause significant overland flooding.

While municipalities respond to local emergencies, it is vital to the community that you and your family are prepared to be on your own for the first 72 hours. It can take some time for emergency workers to reach you. Emergency services will first attend to those in need of lifesaving assistance. Even if you are not injured, you need to make sure you have the water, food and supplies you need to survive. By being prepared to support yourself and your family for the first 72 hours, you free up emergency workers to assist those who have been injured.

Your ready-to-stay kit should include the items you will need to stay safe at home for a few days. You can keep these things at home in a plastic tub or a special cabinet.
In an emergency, you’ll need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. You may have some items already, lik food, water and a flashlight. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find.

Ask yourself, would you be able to find your flashlight in the dark?

• Water – at least two litres of drinking water per person per day — Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order

• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods — Replace food and water once per year; don’t forget the can opener

• Crank or battery-powered flashlight and radio — Throw in some extra batteries

• Extra sets of keys to your car and house

• Cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills

• A copy of your emergency contact information

• First aid kit

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

• Candles and matches or a lighter — Place candles in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended

• Change of clothing and footwear for each household member

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member

• Toiletries, including toiler paper and hand sanitizer

• Utensils

• Basic tools — Hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust mask, pocket knife

• Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets

• Small fuel-operated stove and fuel

• A whistle in case you need to attract attention

• Duct tape to seal windows, doors, air events, etc.

• Garbage bags

• 2 litres of water per person — Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order

• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods — Replace food and water once per year; don’t forget the can opener

• Plastic or paper plates, cups, and utensils

• Crank or battery-powered flashlight and radio — Throw in some extra batteries

• A change of clothes

• A card with emergency contact info — including someone who lives out of town

• Pet food and supplies for at least three days

• Small first aid kit — Include medicine you usually take

• Personal identification card

• Personal hygiene items, soap and hand sanitizer

• Cash in smaller currencies

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

• Candles and matches or a lighter — Place candles in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended

• Change of clothing and footwear for each household member

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member

• Toiletries, including toiler paper and hand sanitizer

• Utensils and basic tools — Hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust mask, pocket knife

• Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets

• Duct tape to seal windows, doors, air events, etc.

• A whistle in case you need to attract attention

• Small fuel-operated stove and fuel

• Garbage bags

• Blanket

• Candle in a deep can & matches

• Extra clothing and shoes

• First aid kit with seatbelt cutter

• Flashlight

• List of contact numbers

• Radio (crank or battery-powered)

• Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush

• Warning light or road flares

• Water

• Antifreeze

• Windshield washer fluid

• Sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter

• Fire extinguisher

• Road maps