Keep your family safe in a blackout

Summer in Southwestern Ontario, like many parts of the world, can be prime time for extreme weather events resulting in power outages and blackouts. While a blackout may not seem as serious as overland flooding, in reality being without electricity or light can have devastating consequences. So, what should you do to prepare for a possible blackout?

Create your emergency kit

Family emergency kits should be stocked with at least 72 hours’ worth of supplies including water, non-perishable food items, a manual can opener, battery operated flashlights, battery powered radio, extra batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, and spare clothing. Depending on your specific family needs, you may need to include baby food or pet food. It’s prudent to include a modest amount of cash in case banks are closed or inaccessible.

Restock the first-aid kit

Ensuring that every member of the family knows exactly where the first aid kit is located, and can access it easily in an emergency, should be a top priority. Finding a non-descript first-aid box at the back of a cupboard isn’t so easy when it’s pitch black.

First-aid kits should include gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, bandages, safety pins, ice packs, tape, antiseptic, pain reliever medication, rubber gloves, as well as emergency phone numbers. Be sure to consider your specific family needs as you may need to include prescription medication or medical equipment.

Develop an emergency plan

Sit down with your family and discuss any emergency scenarios that could possibly occur and then assign specific responsibilities to each family member. Plan for how your family will communicate if separated while phones are not working, or if some neighborhoods are not accessible. Also, make sure to map out multiple meeting spots and the different routes to get there.

Source: Insurance Business Canada