Hurricane Sandy: Emergency preparation checklist

TORONTO – Hurricane
Sandy will bring strong winds, rain and possible flooding to parts of eastern
Canada.

The
northeastern United States will take the brunt of the storm but there is the
potential for significant impact in southern and eastern Ontario, Quebec and
the Atlantic provinces, Environment Canada warns.

On Monday
morning, a wind warning was issued for Toronto, with possible gusts up to 100km/hour.

Hundreds
of flights have been cancelled or delayed at Toronto Pearson International
Airport.

Meanwhile
the Canadian Red Cross is warning Ontarians to prepare themselves for an
emergency situation, as evacuations and power outages remain a possibility.

“The
Canadian Red Cross encourages all Canadians to take some steps to ensure their
safety.  Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least
72 hours in an emergency,” said Mike Morton, Canadian Red Cross director of
disaster management in Ontario.

“By taking some time now to
store emergency food, water and other supplies, you can provide for your entire
family during a power outage or evacuation.”

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In the event of
an evacuation or power outage, the Red Cross recommends having the following
items on-hand in an easy-to-carry container:

– Water: Two litres of drinking water and two litres of
washing water per person and family pet for a 72-hour period

– Food: 72-hours worth of non-perishable food per person

– Manual can opener

– Crank or battery-operated flashlight, with extra
batteries

– Crank or battery-operated radio, with extra batteries

– Extra keys for your house and car

– First aid kit, including emergency telephone numbers,
bandages, scissors, adhesive tape, tweezers, ice packs, disposable gloves,
antiseptic wipes or soap, emergency blanket. (For a complete list of items
visit the Red Cross website.

– Cash in small bills

– Special needs items: medications, baby formula and
diapers, and equipment for people with disabilities

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is also urging motorists to prepare for strong winds and rain while on the road.

The CAA recommends the following driving tips:

– Plan ahead by checking weather and traffic reports

– Carry a fully charged phone and dress appropriately
– Expect sudden gusts of wind at any time, but particularly in open stretches of road and on bridges
– Keep both hands on the wheel
– Slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicles around you.
– Watch for other vehicles drifting into your lane
– Secure your load
– Watch for debris on the road

For the latest on Hurricane Sandy, follow along on our live blog.