The City of Charlottetown is reminding the public of the importance of emergency preparedness as we enter the fall and winter months.
Residents should be prepared for extreme weather and emergencies year-round, including hurricanes, flooding or events that could cut off electricity or other utilities. It’s important to be prepared in case of potential delays in emergency response or access to supplies.
The public is encouraged to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit and share its location with everyone in their home or business. Items should include:
• At least 2 litres of water per person, per day
• Non-perishable food and manual can opener
• A stocked First Aid kit
• Prescription and non-prescription medication
• Formula, diapers and other baby supplies, if needed
• Battery-powered or hand crank-powered radio
• Battery-powered or hand crank-powered flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Blankets and a change of clothing for each household member
• Candles and matches or a lighter
• Cash, in smaller bills
• A charged cell phone
• Food and medication for pets and service animals, if needed
• Tissue, toilet paper and other toiletries
If strong winds are forecast, residents are asked to secure loose objects such as lawn chairs, barbecues, small planters, construction materials and other debris that can become hazardous in high winds.
Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through the free Charlottetown Alert System. The public can receive emergency alerts via SMS (text message), email or phone. Sign up is available
online.
In the event of a forecasted or impending emergency, the Charlottetown Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) will provide as much advance notice as possible regarding the opening of reception centres and/or emergency shelters. Please stay informed through official channels including the City of Charlottetown’s
website and
Facebook for timely updates and instructions.
The province of Prince Edward Island has a helpful
Emergency Preparedness Guide that includes detailed checklists to be prepared in the case of an evacuation. Additional tips and suggestions on preparing for emergencies can be found on the Province’s
website and at
getprepared.gc.ca.