Red Cross Disaster Preparedness kit
Are you smarter than a 5th grader? We all should be when it comes to emergency preparedness!
Families have an advantage over other Canadians when it comes to emergency preparedness and public safety.
If you have kids, I can guarantee you that you have a smoke detector, (possibly a CO2 detector as well), have a fire evacuation route planned and have maybe even done a fire drill. Why? ... Because your kids made you do it!
Whether it is a result of a class assignment or motivation from a visiting firefighter in the school, kids seem to be the general motivating factor, especially for fire safety in the home.
So if you have kids, why not get them involved in preparing your home for other emergencies, such as power failures or severe weather (tornados to ice storms). Hit the dollar store and see what supplies they would pick out to be part of your emergency kit. Let them pick out the canned food or other products that can be prepared without power.
Why not put crank flashlights in every bedroom for quick access by older children. Besides, they will likely sneak one in on their own at some point to read their favourite story or comic book under the covers. I think I just dated myself, more likely it will be their handheld computer game.
Speaking of games, in the name of family preservation, make sure you have access to a toy or other non-electronic distraction for your kids. A house with no power or sitting in an emergency shelter for a couple of days will take its toll. Having a favourite toy or game can go a long way in preserving sanity, both for your kids and yourself.
But what if you are like me and don’t have kids? Am I proverbially ‘up the creek’ as far as being prepared? Nope! But, it is a matter of being self motivated and, look at it this way, you can then pick all the different foods and snacks YOU want! Chocolate anyone?!?
For more info, check out this great brochure on how to get prepared with your children.