Don’t fall behind on emergency preparedness

Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks campaign reminds everyone to refresh emergency supplies during the time change

Oxford County is reminding you to “Set Your Clocks, Check your Stocks” this weekend! Time change is an ideal moment to ensure your emergency supply kit is ready at a moment’s notice. 

The coming months can bring unpredictable emergencies, including ice storms and power outages. When preparing an emergency kit, use 72 hours as a minimum requirement. Think beyond that. Assess your family's special needs, medications, food allergies, and location. Consider the vulnerability of those around you, as first responders may need to assist others first. 

Consider the following when you Set Your Clocks and Check Your Stocks this weekend:

• Ensure your emergency preparedness kit has enough food, water, and supplies for at least three days
• Regularly check for missing essentials in your kit, such as medications
• Toss out expired items and update your first aid supplies
• Keep important documents, like identification and emergency contacts, up to date
• Make sure to account for any new family members or pets
• Customize your kit to ensure that everyone in your family has all the essentials to be comfortable

Use the time change as a reminder to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Old batteries should not go in your curbside garbage. Instead, recycle old or leaky batteries for free at Oxford County Waste Management Facility or Woodstock’s EnviroDepot.

If you haven’t created an emergency kit, now is the time to create one. Find the emergency supplies checklist by visiting www.oxford72hours.ca.