With winter still a little distance away, considering the current warm weather we're having Environment Canada reminds you to prepare a home emergency kit to carry you through three days should a natural disaster occur. Meteorologist Natalie Hasell explains its importance.

"Your emergency is supposed to keep you and your family safe and secure for three days on your own, because that's how long it could take for the authorities to reach you if there's a natural disaster cutting off access to your area. That 72 hours is really important. You need to know you can be comfortable and do well during such an event."

She notes kits should include:

  • Two litres of water per person per day
  • Food that won't spoil - canned food, energy bars, dried foods
  • Can opener, preferably a manual one
  • Wind-up or battery powered flashlight and radio
  • First-aid kit
  • Extra keys for your car and your house
  • Clothing
  • Sleeping bags
  • Personal hygiene items
  • A charger for phones that aren't plugged in
  • Pet supplies
  • Food and formula for infants
  • Activities such as games
  • Copy of your home emergency plan
  • Important family documents, or copies
  • Cash, if power goes out rendering cash registers and ATM's inoperable for purchases
  • Prescription copies if you're on medication
  • Medications on hand
  • Plastic or paper plates, cups, and utensils
  • Something to purify water
  • Basic tools
  • Small fuel-operated stove and fuel
  • Whistles
  • Duct tape
  • Extra batteries for battery operated devices

Hasell adds St John's Ambulance, Salvation Army and Canadian Red Cross sell emergency kits.

Check out their information website: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/