Summer thunderstorms have been ripping through nearly all parts of Canada in recent weeks. Ontario hydro provider Hydro One is reminding Canadians across the country the importance of being prepared in case of an extended emergency if severe weather strikes.
The provider says preparing for an emergency can be a family activity. Create a list of items needed in the event of an extended emergency and create an emergency kit.
Consider including the following:
- Water (recommend 2L per person/day)
- Canned or dried food that won’t spoil
- A manual can opener
- Windup or battery powered flashlight
- Windup or battery powered radio
- Batteries for your flashlight and radio
- A copy of your emergency evacuation plan
- Any medical items you require
- Blanket
- Your community’s recovery plan
- Your emergency power outage hotline number. Ensure you have at least one corded phone at home; a cordless phone will not work in a power outage.
Keep your emergency kit in a backpack and make sure everyone in your home knows where to find it.
If your area is affected by a storm, be sure to stay clear of any fallen power lines. If you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 metres away, even if it doesn’t appear to be live. Report it to the police and call your hydro provider.