Watch the video above: Ice storm power outages timely reminder
SASKATOON – As many residents in Central and Eastern Canada recover from a major ice storm that knocked out power to hundreds of thousands, authorities in Saskatoon say it serves as a timely reminder.
Many people were without power for more than a week proving just how important it is to be prepared.
“This situation could happen to anybody for sure,” said Luc Durand, acting assistant fire chief.
“You want to make sure you have a 72 hour supply of water for your entire family, 72 hour supply of food, flash light with batteries you want some way to cook or heat that food,” said Heather Graham-Nakaska, Cabela’s retail marketing manager.
It is also ideal to have things like a first aid kit, a radio and even a back up generator.
“When we hear about different disasters that happen in emergency situations we realize you know I don’t have enough of those things on hand or all in one spot,” said Graham-Nakaska.
“We’re not invincible and we do need to take a look at those and just have what we need to be prepared,” she added.
It is important to keep safety in mind too.
The local fire department says once the power goes out the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide exposure increase.
“People tend to find ways to actually make things work in the house and if you don’t utilize the proper equipment that’s when you get into problems,” said Durand.
Gas-powered generators should only ever be used outside in a well ventilated area, you should never use barbecues or gas cookers inside and never leave candles burning unattended.
Ensuring you’re prepared for an emergency will come at a cost but it may one day save your life.
“It’s an investment,” said Durand.
“It should definitely be a priority at some point,” he added.
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