Are you prepared for an emergency such as a tornado, flood, or extended period without power?

May 2 to 8 is emergency preparedness week across Canada with the theme of 'Be Ready for Anything". Locally, Emergency Measures Organization Coordinator and Deputy Fire Chief Mike Russell says there are a few different types of emergencies that we should be prepared for. 

"In southern Saskatchewan, we know that there's potential for flooding, that's one that we've seen here in the city of Moose Jaw. There's also tornadoes, prairie fires, and in the winter, we look at extreme cold stretches and winter storms."

Russell says the key to being prepared is planning; knowing the risks, developing a plan with your family, and putting together an emergency kit in case a worst-case scenario should happen.

"Make sure you have a water supply, two litres of water per person per day, food that won't spoil like canned food or energy bars, a manual can opener obviously, a wind-up flashlight or radio, batteries, first aid kit, and make sure you're utilizing the SaskAlert App."

He also suggests packing away some extra batteries, extra keys for your car or house, a little bit of cash, and any important family documents or identification.

There are also a number of resources online to help you and your family prepare if you are unsure what you should pack, or what to all incorporate in your plan.

You can't forget about pets either, as they have their own set of items that need to be packed away such as their own water, food, medication if needed, blankets or bedding, a collar, an extra leash, and plastic garbage bags. You can click here for a more detailed list. 

The Saskatchewan Government

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/environment-public-health-and-safety/disaster-prevention

Government of Canada

https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx

There is also a page on the Government of Canada's website specific to power outages

https://wwwgetprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/pwrtgs-en.aspx

And finally, this Government of Canada link will take people to the Emergency Preparedness Guide to help prepare for the possibility of being self-sufficient for 72 hours

https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/yprprdnssgd/index-en.aspx