It was the second time Fort Erie saw significant weather, with a windstorm a week and a half before where many Canadian Niagara Power customers in the municipality and Port Colborne were left without power — some as long as three days.
That’s why Fort Erie fire Chief Ed Melanson is reminding the public about the importance of having a 72-hour emergency kit.
“We’re asking residents to be able to take care of themselves so emergency services are available for those that might need more help,” he said.
“It’s not that we don’t want to help; it’s just at times, whatever the disaster, we might be stretched too thin.”
Melanson said a good emergency kit should include: four litres of water per person per day, canned goods or freeze-dried items, medication if required, a radio (preferably one with a hand crank in case batteries don’t work), a flash light, batteries, pet food, bandages, medicine, cash, and a list of emergency contacts.
Something else to consider is keeping an emergency kit current.
“When people put a kit together, it’s important to make sure they rotate any water, food or medication so nothing is expired.”
It’s also important to replace anything once it’s been used, like Band-Aids or any medications.
Melanson also reminds people to be aware of fire safety during a power outage and ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have backup battery power.
“People should absolutely remember to be fire safe. Candles, although easy to use, are an issue especially if they are left unattended,” he said.
“If people are going to use any gas device, it’s important to make sure it’s vented because carbon monoxide might be an issue."
Melanson said if people don’t want to make their own kits, they can buy pre-made ones.
Are you prepared? Fort Erie fire chief urges residents to have emergency kits
Marcia Young, branch manager for the Niagara branch of St. John Ambulance, said that while this week’s storm may have caught some people off-guard, she believes Canadians understand the importance of having an emergency kit in their vehicles.
“Any good first aid kit in your vehicle should have standard items like a blank, SOS sign should you get stuck in the snow,” she said.
“We also recommend things like bandages and even a CPR mask should you come upon an accident, or be involved in one.”
Young said it’s also important to be trained in emergency preparedness, and St. John Ambulance offers courses for teens, adults and even home alone courses for younger children.
“A great time to take a course is during the month of December,” she said.
“I know with the holidays, some people may have extra vacation. It’s the perfect time to take a first aid class. It’s a great way to get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions if safety and emergency preparedness is one of your goals.”
Kristine Carmichael, director of corporate and customer services for Canadian Niagara Power, reported that no customers in Fort Erie or Port Colborne lost power during Monday’s snowfall.
In the event of an emergency and there a power outage, residents are reminded to call the power company’s 24-hour power line at 1-844-501-9473.
Link to original article on niagarathisweek.com: Are you prepared? Fort Erie fire chief urges residents to have emergency kits