With the  current Tornado watch in effect for North Bay and area, yesterday’s earthquake in parts of our area and the devastation in Goderich last weekend, it is a good time to think about how prepared your family is in case of an emergency, natural or otherwise.

Many businesses have prepared contingency plans for such disasters, however most families are not prepared.  Do you have an emergency pack on hand to sustain yourselves for 3 or 4 days? Have you and your family established a meeting place if you are separated?

 A good starting point is to think of the various disasters that could affect you and your family, like a tornado, winter blizzard, extended power outage, flood, fire and others.

Some of the other questions listed on the Government of Canada website on Emergency Preparedness that you need to think about are:

Safe exits from home and neighbourhood

Designated person to pick up children should you be unavailable

Contact persons close by and out-of-town

Health and insurance information

Places for your pet to stay

Location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical panel, gas valve and floor drain

The site is located at   http://www.getprepared.../index-eng.aspx

It also contains information on what you should have in an emergency kit as well as a template so you can prepare your own plan.

Be prepared.  Get your plan in place before disaster strikes.