Ahhh...The Cottage Life!

It is the time of year in Ontario when “Cottage Goers” are opening the cottages for the summer months. It is also the time of year for spring and summer storms (read Hail storm blog). Are you prepared for an emergency? Due to the difficulty getting into a lot of the cottage areas, when the power goes out it stays out for some time, even days. So whether it is for a few hours or days it is necessary to have an emergency preparedness kit. I have listed below the standard supplies needed. Personalize the kit to your families needs. I, for one, added chocolate! This kit works at home as well as at the cottage.

A three day supply of food and water for every person and pet when there is no refrigeration or cooking available.

• Protein/Granola bars
• Trail mix dried fruit
• Crackers/cereals
• Canned tuna, beans, turkey, beef, Vienna sausages, Bean salad, Canned tomatoes (If you don’t have a non electric can opener look for the pop top kind)
• Canned juice
• Candy, gum, nuts
• Water (4 litres per person and animal)

Lighting
• Battery lights (Flashlights, Lamps)
• Batteries for lights
• Candles
• Lighters
• Water proof matches
• Propane for Barbeque or single pot burner

Equipment
• Can opener
• Dishes
• Shovel
• Radio/Pen paper
• Axe
• Pocket knife
• Rope
• Duct tape
• Small games or toys for younger children

Personal Supplies and Medications
• First aid kit
• Toiletries ( toilet paper, feminine hygiene products)
• Cleaning supplies ( Hand sanitizer, pre-moistened cleaning cloths)
• Medication (Acetaminophen, Muscle relaxants)
• Prescription Medications (3 days supply)

Money Options
• Cash
• Credit cards
• Pre-paid phone cards

Notes:
1. Remember to update your kit every six months or if any items are used
2. You don’t want items “flavouring each other”. Divide items into individual Ziploc bags.