Oakville Residents to prepare for the first 72 hours of an emergency

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Now that winter weather has arrived, the Oakville Fire department is encouraging residents to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit to stay safe.

The first 72 hours after an emergency are critical. Electricity, gas, water and telephones may not be working and public safety services such as police and fire departments may not be able to reach you immediately.

“Winter emergencies can be the most challenging because there is often little or no warning,” said Deputy Fire Chief and Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Andy Glynn. “In the event of a severe blizzard or power outage, your family should have enough food, water and essential items on hand to be self-sufficient for at least three days.”

Household Emergency Kit

These are basic items you will need. Make sure you have a supply that will last at least 72 hours for every member of your household.

  1. flashlight
  2. battery-operated or hand-crank radio
  3. spare batteries (for flashlight and/or radio)
  4. First Aid kit
  5. candles and matches/lighter
  6. extra car keys and cash
  7. important papers (copies of identification, insurance policies)
  8. non-perishable food and bottled water (as much as your family can manage to carry)
  9. manual can opener
  10. cutlery
  11. scissors
  12. clothing and footwear
  13. blankets or sleeping bags
  14. toilet paper and other personal hygiene items
  15. prescription medication
  16. spare eyeglasses and/or contacts
  17. whistle (to attract attention)
  18. playing cards (or other games/toys)
  19. paper/pencils/pens
  20. map of your community (for locating emergency shelters)
  21. a copy of the Personal Emergency Preparedness Guide

Vehicle Emergency Kit

Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Check your supplies twice a year and replace any contents that have expired or spoiled.

  1. non-perishable food such as energy bars
  2. water
  3. blanket
  4. First Aid kit
  5. extra clothes and shoes/boots (change for warm or cold weather)
  6. small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
  7. survival candle
  8. extra vehicle fluids
  9. booster cables
  10. flashlight and batteries
  11. cell phone charger
  12. emergency flares
  13. highway help sign and road maps
  14. whistle (to attract attention)
  15. a copy of your emergency plan and personal documents
  16. sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping)
  17. tow rope

If you buy a pre-packaged vehicle emergency kit at your local hardware or automotive store, make sure the kit has everything you need for 72 hours. Check your supplies twice a year and replace any items that expired.