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🆘 The 72-Hour Survival Guide: Be Ready for Emergencies

April 28, 2025

Faced with an emergency, could you survive for 72 hours? That’s the amount of time experts recommend you be self-sufficient in case emergency workers can’t reach you or restore essential services like power, water, or communications.

From ice storms to floods, tornadoes, and blizzards, one thing is clear: you may be on your own for a while.

🗓️ Emergency Preparedness Week

Each year, Public Safety Canada highlights the importance of being ready. This year's theme for Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5 to 10) is:

Be Prepared. Know the Risks.

The federal government urges all Canadians to understand the hazards specific to their region.

Step 1: Know the Risks

Different disasters bring different dangers — and the more you know, the better you can plan.

📍 What to consider:

  • Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, heatwaves, and severe storms
  • Human-made events like industrial spills or transportation accidents
  • Extended power outages or communication blackouts

➡️ Download brochures and specific risk guides from GetPrepared.ca

Step 2: Make an Emergency Plan (Just 20 Minutes!)

Got 20 minutes? That’s all it takes to create a simple, effective emergency plan.

Why it matters:

  • You might not be with your loved ones when disaster strikes.
  • A plan helps you stay calm, stay connected, and safe.

Include all household members: seniors, children, pets , and anyone with medical needs.

Keep your plan:

  • Printed and stored in an easy-to-find spot
  • On your phone and computer

👉 Create your plan online at GetPrepared.ca

Step 3: Build Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit

According to Ontario Hydro, 87% of Ontarians don't have a complete kit. Are you one of them?

What to include (minimum 72-hour supply):

  • Windup or battery-powered flashlight
  • Windup or battery-powered radio
  • Portable charger (power bank)
  • 2 litres of water per person per day
  • Non-perishable food (canned or dried)
  • Manual can opener
  • Extra batteries
  • Cash (ATMs might be down)
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Candles & matches/lighter
  • Emergency contact list
  • First Aid kit
  • Prescription meds & medical items

Additional Tips:

  • Plug electronics into a surge protector
  • Fully charge all phones & devices
  • Sign up for emergency alerts via text/email
  • Lower your fridge temp to 4°C (40°F) and freezer to -18°C (0°F) to protect your food. Tip: a full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours; half full for about 24. An unopened fridge will keep food cold for about 4 hours. Throw away any food that’s been at room temperature for two or more hours.
  • Have enough pet food and baby supplies on hand
  • Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank and have extra fuel for portable generators in appropriate containers if safe
  • NEVER touch electrical equipment that’s been exposed to water

The Canadian government lists additional items here to have on hand.

Real-Life Reminder: The 2025 Ice Storm

Think it can’t happen to you? Consider the recent March 2025 ice storm in Eastern Canada. It knocked out power to nearly 1 million Ontarians and restoration took as much as 144 hours (6 days) for some and others were still waiting!

Disasters don’t come with a warning — but you can be ready.

Final Thought: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

A well-stocked emergency kit, a family plan, and knowing your local risks can make all the difference.

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