Winter has arrived in Wellington and county officials are reminding residents to be better prepared during an emergency.
The Wellington County Emergency Management Team recommends residents prepare an emergency kit sufficent to take care of their families and pets for a minimum of 72 hours.
An emergency kit should include:
– water, at least two litres per person per day;
– food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace food and water once a year);
– manual can-opener;
– crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries). Replace batteries once a year;
– crank or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries);
– first aid kit;
– extra keys to car and house;
– some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills and change for payphones;
– a copy of your emergency plan and contact information;
– toiletries;
– sleeping bags or warm blankets for each family member; and
– other necessary items such as prescription medication, infant formula, diapers, pet food, etc.
With forecasts last week predicting unseasonably cold temperatures well below -20 C, Wellington County OPP also recommended motorists take the following precautions to prepare for the frigid temperatures including:
– keep the fuel tank sufficiently full (at least half-a-tank is recommended);
– carry a winter survival kit that includes a shovel, blanket, warm clothes, booster cables, a flash light and food;
– ensure vehicles are in sound operating condition; and
– have a fully-charged cell phone on hand. If that is not possible, have a “call police” sign to alert passing motorists.
For road condition information in Wellington County call 1-866-799-4166.
Call 511 for information on the condition of roads across Ontario.
Residents should also monitor local News media for updates and changes to the weather conditions.
