Recent events show the need to be prepared, Sudbury officials say

Public Health Sudbury & Districts urges residents to prepare emergency kits after record snowfalls, flooding and the recent boil water advisory.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts says events such as the record snowfall, followed by spring flooding and the recent boil water advisory, illustrate why being ready for an emergency is so important.

“With the recent events that have occurred over the last few weeks, we thought it was very important to remind the community about being prepared -- and timing is key,” said the health unit’s Adam Ranger.

Some Sudburians CTV News spoke with said their recent experiences have them determined to be ready for the unexpected.

“I always keep a case of water now and just in case,” one person told us.

“It wasn’t too bad for me because I went out of town last weekend, so I was able to avoid it. I was lucky.”

Emergency plans

Others we spoke with said government agencies need to be more prepared.

“I would say, with the schools, there definitely should be better plans put in place.”

Emergencies can happen fast, so Public Health is advising residents to have emergency kits ready in advance.

“There are resources on the Government of Canada’s website, Emergency Management Ontario, the city’s website, as well as our website, to help people guide them in their plan and things they need to consider,” Ranger said.

“Like their children, their pets (and) things that we may not be thinking about (such as) meeting points and out-of-town family contact information.”

A 72-hour kit should include everything you need daily, including water and prescriptions, as well as more focused items like batteries, a flashlight and a radio.

It’s also important to replenish and refresh items, including bottled water.

“The general guideline is to keep it in a cool, dark location and use it within two years,” said Elizabeth Griswold from the Canadian Bottled Water Association.

“It’s also important to ensure no chemicals or hazardous materials are stored in the same area.”

Griswold said bottled water has a shelf life of two years.

On top of creating an emergency kit for the home, the health unit also advises residents to have a to-go kit ready and even a kit for vehicles.