Do you know what to do in an emergency situation like a fire, earthquake, flood or ice storm? If stuck at home with your family, would you be able to make it 72 hours until help arrives? It may seem like a hypothetical situation, but considering Canada experienced 6,235 forest fires and 169 earthquakes in 2015, being emergency prepared is something that every household should consider. Including your children in the plan is important as well.
Being emergency prepared may not only help your family in an emergency, but it may also help with the survival of friends and neighbours.
May 1-7, 2016 is… Emergency Preparedness Week
This year, Duracell and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) have teamed up to remind Canadians that everyone needs to be prepared in an emergency. According to a survey conducted by Duracell in partnership with the CAFC, even though 34% Canadians feel they have experienced more storms and natural disasters in the past five years than ever before, the majority (53%) of Canadians do not have an emergency kit to sustain them up to 72 hours after a disaster strikes.
It doesn’t take much planning to put an emergency kit together. Duracell has put together a checklist that makes it easy to know what items to include:
While this may seem somewhat extreme, you will be thankful that you have taken the time to involve your family and become emergency prepared as a family in the case that you experience an extreme emergency. Here are some steps that you may consider taking:
To help you be emergency prepared, Duracell is generously giving away an Emergency Kit to one lucky winner…
Prize: An Emergency Kit for your Family (valued at approximately $200)
Duracell Quantum batteries, Flashlights, Radio, First aid kit, Multi tool, Can opener, Dust mask, Duct tape, Emergency blanket, Whistle
Open to: Canadian Residents, outside of QC
Giveaway Ends: May 30, 2016, 11:59pm ET
This post has been generously sponsored by Duracell. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
sad to say we are not fully prepared for an emergency. while we do have certain things on hand (like canned foods, flashlights, etc), everything is scattered and not in one place for easy access
We always make sure to have enough fresh water on hand for at least 72 hours and most of the other items you mentioned incase of an emergency.
I’m not as prepared as I thought I was. I have to put my kit together.although I have most of the stuff needed its just all over the place. But I do always make sure we have lots of bottled water at home and lots of canned on hand.
I’m not as prepared as I thought I was. I have to put my kit together.although I have most of the stuff needed its just all over the place. But I do always make sure we have lots of bottled water at home and lots of canned on hand.
The only tip I have is to make sure you know where the flashlight is.
The only tip I have is to make sure you know where the flashlight is.
make sure you have plenty of water and a flashlight with batteries
I am not prepared at all. I would probably add waterproof matches to the list.
I am not prepared at all. I would probably add waterproof matches to the list.
I am not even slightly prepared for an emergency. Other than my phone, I don’t even think I have a flashlight. My only tip for an emergency is to stay calm 🙂 I used to live in a country with lots of earthquakes, I was always told to stand in the door way
I think I am prepared. I know what goes into the kit. We have a kit.. But, I have to remember to check it yearly to make sure that it is still good.
I think I am prepared. I know what goes into the kit. We have a kit.. But, I have to remember to check it yearly to make sure that it is still good.
could always be better. thanks
could always be better. thanks
I felt the earth move when we had an earthquake a couple months ago. Terrified me beyond belief!!! I know how easily it can happen and I want to be prepared!!!!
I could do better.I have water,batteries.
I could do better.I have water,batteries.
I like to think I am pretty prepared. My big tip is to stockpile food!! Not only does it save money buy buying on sale but you will have lots in case of an emergency 🙂
I am not prepared at all, and when our hydro does go out, I run around searching for candles and/or the flashlight, I think I need to get my s*** together, lol
I am not prepared at all, and when our hydro does go out, I run around searching for candles and/or the flashlight, I think I need to get my s*** together, lol
To be honest no!
To be honest no!
our emergency kit for the house totally needs an upgrade…..we also have one in the car!
our emergency kit for the house totally needs an upgrade…..we also have one in the car!
No I am not prepared if we had an emergency. My only tip would be to have a landline phone for emergencies.
No I am not prepared if we had an emergency. My only tip would be to have a landline phone for emergencies.
I am no way prepared. This is something I really need to do.
Florence C
I am no way prepared. This is something I really need to do.
Florence C
We’re somewhat prepared…although I think if the Big One did hit, it would be chaos.
I’m not prepared but I really should be. My tip is to practice ahead.
I’m not prepared at all sadly. My tip is to have an emergency kit, something I would have never thought of sadly.
I’m not prepared at all sadly. My tip is to have an emergency kit, something I would have never thought of sadly.
I am prepared although I do have to refresh and update my emergency kit. We always have a few cases of water on hand at all times, we just keep rotating them as we drink them, but water is a must have for sure in case of an emergency.
The answer would be no I am not prepared. I think about doing it but keep putting it off. I really need to put a kit together!
I wouldn’t say we are fully prepared as our kit is still a work in progress! It’s important to have a kit in the car too which we also need to work on.
Sadly no, I am not prepared & I see that a lot of other people aren’t either which is surprising! My tip would be to include waterproof matches & something to dull the boredom especially if you have kids, like cards/books/travel games.
For an emergency on the road I feel like I am prepared but as far as an emergency at home I don’t think I am. My tip would be o have an emergency kit in the car.
I am completely unprepared for an emergency.
I have to say if there was an emergency I wouldn’t be prepared, my tip is to make sure you have a kit and if you use something from it to make sure you replace that item
I’m not prepared. My suggestion is to have some cash in small bills available – if the power goes out the ATMs won’t work.
I have everything I need for an emergency. It just isn’t all together in one place.
We are not prepared. What we have for emergencies is scattered everywhere.
We are pretty well prepared, but could use more water. We also have photo copies of our important papers, credit cards and health cards, etc.
I got no tips! Definitely not prepared.
Sadly I do not have an emergency prep kit in my home, just my car. It’s important to keep emergency supplies together in one place so you don’t have to scramble around in the event of an emergency.
I only have about half the items on the list, so I’m not prepared for an emergency.
I tend to be prepared, but I find things from the kit are borrowed and never returned. I can*t really lock them up, so I*m not sure what the solution is.
No we are not prepared , I don’t have tips because I never thought about it, not good.
No, I’m not prepared, I don’t have an emergency kit packed and ready to go. Don’t forget to add a lot of water to the list, especially if you have a pet.
We have almost all of the items on the list, but they aren’t organized in one spot yet, I’ll have to do that. I would add water, snacks, medications, butane lighter or matches and candles to the list.
No I am not prepared for an emergency and I do not have any tips
I wish I could say I am prepared, but I’m not. I don’t really have any tips, but I think it’s time we get a kit ready though.
I would love to say that my home and family are 100% prepared for any emergencies but the truth is we probably aren’t!!
I would love to say that my home and family are 100% prepared for any emergencies but the truth is we probably aren’t!!
We have a few of the items but not as prepared as we should be..my tip would besides having extra medication have a list of all meds, allergies,medic alert.. ect..also have out of town or out of province contact numbers, when my daughter was in Kindergarten they had us make up a kit with a favourite book and toy along with water ,snacks.They were kept in the classroom also with contact numbers in and out of province.
We live in an area that’s only accessible by ferry, so I have a lot of food stockpiled at home, as well as the essentials. We also have an emergency pack in our car.
We live in an area that’s only accessible by ferry, so I have a lot of food stockpiled at home, as well as the essentials. We also have an emergency pack in our car.
I am prepared for some sorts, but not fire.
I am prepared for some sorts, but not fire.
i always have some jugs of fresh water laying around, and make sure we have a radio that uses regular batteries
After watching those wild fires happening in Alberta, I realized I was sooo not ready for anything like that!! We rarely even have spare batteries in the house!!
I am not prepared unfortunately but I have to start
I am not prepared unfortunately but I have to start
According to this list I’m not prepared at all…
According to this list I’m not prepared at all…
We are prepared for emergencies. In your emergency kit put in some ready-to-eat meals.
I am ill-prepared for an emergency. We have first aid kits but I have to make a point of getting together an emergency kit.
I think I am partially prepared…have a plan and what to grab to take with us on the list but really only have first aid kit ready to go 🙁
I’m not as prepared as I should be. My tip would to keep can goods handy incase of an emergency.
I’m not really prepared at all, I have to admit.
I’m not really prepared at all, I have to admit.
I do not have an emergency kit! I really need to work on making one!
I am so not prepared for an emergency at all,I need to make a kit!
We are, but we need to start checking our emergency kit more often for anything outdated. The list above is pretty good, but I would also add a (charged) portable battery for your phone. Phone essential.
We are, but we need to start checking our emergency kit more often for anything outdated. The list above is pretty good, but I would also add a (charged) portable battery for your phone. Phone essential.
Living in a hurricane prone area we always have an emergency kit handy. I’d make sure to have water in that kit.
I am not even close to being prepared for an emergency
I am not ready for an emergency. I need to put a kit together.
I am not ready for an emergency. I need to put a kit together.
I am not ready.
We are not as prepared as we should be. We do have a generator, a first aide kit and flashlights but not really much else.
I keep some things ready. I have lots of water because we are on a well and when the power goes out we don’t have any.
Since I live in earthquake and brush fire country, I am prepared! But this is a super reminder. sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net
I have emergency stuff, mostly candles and other things for light since we lose power here often in storms. I could use a broader selection of things for sure!
I have emergency stuff, mostly candles and other things for light since we lose power here often in storms. I could use a broader selection of things for sure!
My tips are : Have some cash on hand, candles, can opener and for me some gluten free stuff that doesnt require cooking.
My tips are : Have some cash on hand, candles, can opener and for me some gluten free stuff that doesnt require cooking.
I realize by that list, that I am not totally prepared! My tip is to have a full tank of gas whenever there is a risk of fire, flooding, traveling in winter etc.
I am so not prepared for an emergency at all!
I am not prepared for an emergency.
I’m prepared for an emergency. And have lots of candles too.
We are prepared with a kit but I am sure that it needs updating.
We are prepared with a kit but I am sure that it needs updating.
We are not prepared but we have started to prepare. We have have started an emergency kit started but it still needs work.
We are not prepared but we have started to prepare. We have have started an emergency kit started but it still needs work.
We are fairly prepared for an emergency. If you can afford it get a power generator
We’re not too prepared for an emergency but with Hurricane Season coming up we’ll definitely start
We’re not too prepared for an emergency but with Hurricane Season coming up we’ll definitely start
Somewhat prepared. We have an emergency kit but we need to add more to it
I’m not very well prepared for an emergency. I have some things, but they’re spread out throughout the apartment.
I’m not very well prepared for an emergency. I have some things, but they’re spread out throughout the apartment.
Yes, we always have emergency supplies
No I don’t think I am fully prepared for an emergency. I have a few supplies but I don’t have a solid plan. My tip would be to get a weather radio in the event of emergency
I’m not as prepared as I should be.
Not prepared. Now that my toddler is getting older, I’d like to start teaching her about emergencies as well.
We have some plans in place for different emergencies, but we can always be more prepared.
We have some plans in place for different emergencies, but we can always be more prepared.
We are not very well prepared currently. But we are in the process of getting together an emergency kit after a recent ice storm left us without power for almost 70 hours! Having lots of water on hand is my best tip!
We are not very well prepared currently. But we are in the process of getting together an emergency kit after a recent ice storm left us without power for almost 70 hours! Having lots of water on hand is my best tip!
I thought I was reasonably prepared, but I know now I need to plan better.
I think the situation in Fort McMurray has shown us that we probably aren’t as prepared as we would like to think we are. If I was in their situation, I’m not sure that I would have been ready. I need to plan better.
I don’t think I am prepared enough. I’ll have to do more to be better prepared in case of an emergency.
I used to think I’d be able to pull my $hit together if there was an emergency but after seeing what has been happening in Fort Mac I clearly don’t. This is definitely something I’m going to have get to work on.
I used to think I’d be able to pull my $hit together if there was an emergency but after seeing what has been happening in Fort Mac I clearly don’t. This is definitely something I’m going to have get to work on.
You can never have too many flashlights, and matches don’t hurt either.
I’m only prepared for emergencies on the road, as I have a kit in my trunk
have a family plan and keep your supplies in the same area
don’t think I am prepared enough
don’t think I am prepared enough
NOT READY ENOUGH
NOT READY ENOUGH
No, not ready enough! If I win I will be! I’m going to gather stuff and fill in a back pack, this week.
I definitely need work on prepared for emergency….
I keep meaning to have a small bag to grab in case of fire or leaving quickly…like an extra bank card, cheques included…at least if you have cash while you dash you can sleep in a motel room!!!!
I would say I am partially prepared for an emergency. One tip I would like to share is to have medications that you take daily added to your emergency kit. Make sure to label them properly and rotate every once in a while so they don’t expire.
I do have most things , time to re hit the check list , very scary ,you need to be prepared because you never know !
I have pretty much everything together for an emergency. You should keep everything you need together in one place.
I don’t think we’re very prepared…so this kit would be so useful! We do have flashlight, candles and batteries at the ready, though.
I thought I was prepared before I actually saw the list you made and now I realize that I have to put more thought into this.The disaster in Fort McMurray has really made me think about having a better kit to be able to grab and go with in the event of something happening in a flash.Thanks so much for this very thoughtful and generous prize you are sponsoring. All my fingers are crossed now.
I thought I was prepared before I actually saw the list you made and now I realize that I have to put more thought into this.The disaster in Fort McMurray has really made me think about having a better kit to be able to grab and go with in the event of something happening in a flash.Thanks so much for this very thoughtful and generous prize you are sponsoring. All my fingers are crossed now.
I’m embarrassed to say I’m not preprared which is why I could really use this!
I’m embarrassed to say I’m not preprared which is why I could really use this!
The Ft. McMurray fire has sure made us realize just how unprepared we really our if this were to happen here. We need to get some food ready to go along with other emergency supplies that we could quickly grab.
My family keeps all of our important papers in one spot so we could grab and go if needed.
We are not prepared, I do have important things in a safe place, however, when it comes to food and ways to stay warm I fail.
We are not prepared, I do have important things in a safe place, however, when it comes to food and ways to stay warm I fail.
We are definitely not prepared enough for an emergency right now. The best thing is to stock up on the essentials like water, canned food, batteries, candles, flashlights, and have a stocked first aid kit.
I have a few things but I really need to be more organized with it.
I have a few things but I really need to be more organized with it.
I wish we were more prepared!! This list above is a real eye opener and makes me want to be more organized!
We’re “kinda” prepared. I forget to do things like change out the water regularly etc.
We’re “kinda” prepared. I forget to do things like change out the water regularly etc.
Prepare for your pets. If you need to evacuate, you should never leave your pet behind. Try to evacuate to a friend or family member’s house, as pets may not be allowed inside public shelters.
We have an emergency kit in the van but still need one for the house.
I am in no way prepared for an emergency!
I have some great solar powered lanterns. No need to worry about batteries and they easily light up a whole room. I just keep them near a sunny window when I’m not using them (they’ve become my go to nighttime reading lights).
I often keep energy charger
I often keep energy charger
If this contest ends on May 30, 2016, why has it closed already, it’s only May 16, 2016?
wtg to the early winner