EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN:

Post date: Dec 29, 2013 7:4:16 PM

With the oncoming deep freeze, and a chance for some minor accumulation that could potentially cause more outages, it is a good time to replenish, add to, or create an emergency preparedness plan/system. Water: Fill up containers, sinks, bathtubs. Do you have a sump pump in your basement? A great source of water....for flushing your toilet during outage.Turn off all water supply shut off valves for sinks, toilets...Hydro: Turn off all switches, stove elements..and anything else that may have been left onGenerator: replenish fuel supply. If you haven't already, try starting it before the power goes out.Heat: Don't bring your bbq in the house! Most homes can withstand a day or 2 without power before risk of water supply lines. Outside temperature is a factor of course. Bundle up with outdoor clothes or blankets. Christmas time is a time to get cozy with loved ones anyway. Consider purchasing an indoor safe fuel space heater. Do some research to find one. If you have a small generator that does not supply your whole home, purchase an electrical space heater.

Food:

If it's cold outside, you got a great place to store food!

Flashlights, candles, oil lamps:

Flashlights are preferred for safety. Make sure you have fresh batteries and/or take the time to recharge your rechargeables.

Cell phones:

Recharge all communication devices that require batteries. If you lose your land line, a cell phone is invaluable in an emergency situation. Might even want to consider charging up your laptop and tablet.

A little help from our friends:

Are we a community, or are we a community? Lend a hand when and where you can. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Keep an eye on those that are at high risk.

Internet:

Do some research on other emergencies preparedness options and ideas.

Information sharing: Information can play a vital role in any emergency. We can't do it alone. We must work together. You just spent the time to read this all the way to the end. Understand that someone took the time and effort to share this with others. Return the favour when you can. If you have information that would benefit others please share it. Whether it is ideas for how to prepare, or breaking news to share, please feel welcome to send us an email vankoughnet.net@gmail.com. If you are on Facebook, share it instantly to almost 300 people who are actively following the vankoughnet Facebook page.