With the return of winter temperatures, New Brunswickers are being reminded to always have a plan in the case of an emergency.
November 1 marked the beginning of Storm Preparedness Week in the province.
The annual event is a reminder and further encouragement for residents to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit, and create plans in the case of natural disasters or emergencies.
With the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changing public health guidelines in 2020, New Brunswickers have even more to keep in mind for Storm Preparedness Week this year.
Geoffrey Downey is a communications spokesperson with the province’s Emergency Measures Organization. He says there are additional items that should be kept on hand.
“Obviously now masks would be a very popular item that people should have, as well as hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes,” Downy said.
In many emergencies, including fires or flooding, families could be dislodged from their homes. They are encouraged to make alternate arrangements as future coronavirus outbreaks could leave them vulnerable.
“If you’d usually go to your parent’s house, that’s part of your evacuation plan, but their home is now in a zone that’s orange or maybe even red, is that somewhere you really want to go?” Downey asked. “You may need to reorganize your evacuation plan.”
As seasons have changed over the past few years, Downey says Storm Preparedness Week is a good reminder of the importance of being prepared year-round.
“We’ve really entered an age where there’s no vacation from emergencies,” he said. “You’ve got flooding in the spring, we’re still in hurricane season, and we’ve already seen snow in the north.”
With winter approaching, the provincial EMO reminds residents to take precautions to avoid frozen pipes and ensure your generator is properly serviced and works safely.
This weekend being daylight saving means this weekend is often a twice-annual reminder to check the batteries of your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors.
Downey says trigger reminders like these are important to avoid getting complacent when it comes to hazard management.
The province encourages residents to prepare 72-hour emergency kits that can help in the event of catastrophe.
Those kits should include enough items to survive a minimum of 72 hours. Kits should include changes of clothes, food, supplies for pets or children, and other items that should be tailored to your individual needs.
