Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library

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Emergency Management & Preparedness

Hazards such as extreme weather, storms, wildfires, power outages, disasters, and other events can trigger emergencies in our communities. One of the best ways to handle emergency situations like these is to plan ahead and be prepared-- individually, in our homes, and within our communities.

Your public library is committed to bringing you a wide range of materials, information, and services to help you prepare for emergencies.

72 Hours: Are You Prepared?

When an emergency happens in our communities, it may take time for emergency workers and relief services to reach you. This could mean living with limited resources for an undetermined period of time.

Preparing an emergency kit can help you stay safe and healthy during emergencies. Most emergency response organizations reccommend preparing to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.

Emergency Kit Basics*

  • Water - Bottled drinking water. Enough for at least 72 hours (at least 2L of water per person, per day)
  • Food - Non-perishable food that is easy to open and prepare without utilities like heat, running water, or power.
  • Flashlight - Wind up or battery powered flashlight (with extra batteries).
  • Phone - A mobile phone, with backup batteries and/or charge packs.
  • First Aid Kit - Remember to include any necessary prescription and non-prescription medications.
  • Radio - Wind up or battery powered radio (with extra batteries) for important updates and information.
  • Cash - Including smaller bills.

*Credit: REMO Pictou County Emergency Management

 

Babies & Young Children

If you have babies or young children, don't forget to pack at least 72 hours of necessary supplies like formula and diapers. You can also include small toys, games, and simple activies in your emergency kit.

Pets

When preparing for emergencies, don't forget your pets! Your emergency kit should include 72 hours of drinking water, pet food and treats, cat litter/pee pads, medications, and any other pet necessities.

Evacuation Preparation - The Grab-And-Go Bag

If an emergency forces you to evacuate your area, you may not have a lot of time to pack beforehand. Waiting until the last minute can mean added stress, forgetting important items, or packing things you don't really need - making an already difficult situation even harder.

Consider preparing a Grab-And-Go or "Go Bag" (or one bag for each family member) as part of your emergency plan.

A Go Bag is a sturdy, easy to carry bag (like a backpack or duffle bag), containing important supplies you want to have with you if you need to leave in a hurry.

Items you can consider for your Go Bag include:

  • Bottled water and non-perishable food (granola bars, etc.)
  • Flashlight (wind up, battery, or solar powered)
  • Small radio (wind up, battery, or solar powered)
  • Chargers for electronics
  • Spare batteries
  • Change of clothes (consider season and weather conditions)
  • Work gloves, dust masks/non-medical masks
  • Personal hygiene supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, etc)
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • First aid kit
  • List of any medications and dosages
  • Spare keys (house keys, car keys, etc.)
  • Copies of important, hard-to-replace documents (ID cards, health cards, insurance information, marriage & birth certificates, deeds, etc.) in a waterproof bag or container.
  • Cash, in small bills.
  • Pen and notebook
  • Local map, with a family meeting place identified
  • Whistle