Emergency preparedness in Digby County

The local emergency measures organization has been holding open houses on emergency preparedness.

The first was at the Digby firehall on Tuesday, Feb. 12 and the next is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 19 in Tiverton.

The Red Cross, local fire service, provincial EMO reps, Digby senior safety coordinator and RCMP will set up booths and make short presentations about the importance and how-to of emergency preparation.

Bentley Rice, emergency measures coordinator for the town of Digby suggests people have enough supplies on hand to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

The Nova Scotia Emergency Measures suggests having the following supplies on hand in case of a winter storm emergency.

* Battery operated radio

* Spare batteries

* Flashlights (avoid candles, - fire hazard)

* Non-perishable food

* Drinkable water

* Adequate supply of medication

* Plumbing antifreeze

* Alternative heat source, such as wood stove, fireplace or CSA-approved space heater.

* Fire extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.

They also suggest you keep a winter survival kit in the trunk of your car at all times. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) recommends the following items:

* Shovel

* Sand or kitty litter

* Traction mats

* Tow chain

* Compass

* Cloth or roll of paper towels

* Warning light or road flares

* Extra clothing and footwear

* Emergency food pack

* Booster cables

* Ice scraper and brush

* Matches and a survival candle in a deep can

* Fire extinguisher

* Extra windshield washer fluid

* Fuel line antifreeze

* Flashlight

* First aid kit

* Blankets

* Road maps

For more information on emergency preparedness check the website of Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management Office:

www.gov.ns.ca

Or the website of Digby’s joint emergency measures organization:

www.townofdigby.ns.ca