What were you doing during the Blackout?

I cannot remember in all my years of living in Prince Albert that we, as citizens, were without power for as long as we were these past few days. So how did you manage during the big blackout of 2012?

We are thankful that we had access to good clean water and civic systems that support our everyday needs. But I am sure all of us take for granted the power that runs our everyday lives. But how many suffered black berry withdrawal or missed our daily Tim’s fix?

With the lights back on, freezers running and ovens baking maybe we need to take stock of our emergency kits. If things do happen again, and they might, we are prepared. The Government of Canada has a great site www.getprepared.ca. Everything to plan is right on the site. Of course having a plan is the first step, executing it is even better. Here are some things to stock the emergency kit with:

• Have things stored in one easy and accessible place. Consider a large plastic tub, old suit case or other storage container accessible to get the things out.
• Flashlights or battery powered lanterns are all essential items. Do not forget the extra batteries.
• Pets will need food so extra dry dog or cat food is essential.
• Bottled water – at least 2 litres per person per day. More for cooking and doing dishes or even a collapsible camping water container
• Cash – even if stores are open cash will be needed because credit or debit likely will not work.
• A portable cook stove with a supply of fuel such as propane
• If you have infants powder formula, extra bottles and more important extra diapers
• Garbage bags, duct tape, maybe some small hand tools
• Ready to eat meal kits, dry food like granola bars, canned food but don’t forget a can opener.
• For those folks with a back-up generator, extra fuel and never attempt to operate the generator in an enclosed space or attempt to connect it to your electrical system without help from licensed electrical professional.

Friends and family will be concerned about you so keep a list of contacts together with your emergency kit. Essentially think about being self-sufficient for the first 72 hours. Of course if you can, visit neighbors on the block or in the same apartment building. Check to see how they are doing and together maybe you can pool resources. Fortunately all of us had homes to go to during the recent blackout but if you were told to evacuate especially due to a fire, think about running around the house finding those important papers, extra clothes for the family, board games for the kids, a leash for the dog, bathroom tissue and personal toiletries. Take some time now to restock your kit, build a new one or assess your family’s response to the events of this week. www.getprepared.ca – do it today!
 

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