What should you include in an emergency kit in case of a disaster?
Posted September 1, 2017 6:33 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – When a disaster hits, you need to be ready go it alone for a few days. Hurricane Harvey is the latest reminder of that harsh reality.
At the very least, you should plan to be alone for 72 hours; that’s the recommendation from the feds. But in our province, Emergency Management BC suggests you should go even further — and have enough food and water to last a week.
“Water. You need four litres per person per day, for at least three days. But you’re going to want to think longer than that — out to a week,” says Ian Foss with Emergency Management BC.
He adds you need to think about how much space that will take up and how to store it. “You know, you may not be able to turn your tap on and get water to come out during an event.
As for food, freeze-dried is your best bet.
“Personally, I’ve gone and bought food that has a shelf life of 25 years — it’s all freeze-dried. It’s more expensive to buy the freeze-dried food, but it stores in a smaller location and as a professional emergency manager, I felt it was the best for me.”
Foss is also suggests packing something to help you breathe, in case of an earthquake. “After an earthquake, there’s a lot of dust in the air. So, having a mask to help filter that is really good.”
He notes keeping enough medicine for anyone in your family with health conditions is also a must.
“You dial 9-1-1 after a catastrophic earthquake, for instance, it might take a little longer for first responders… to get to you. So, you’re going to want to be prepared to take care of yourself for the first few days.”
Head to Emergency Management BC’s website for more tips on putting together an emergency kit.
