In light of recent events in Alberta, the City of Penticton is reminding residents to ensure they have an emergency preparedness kit on hand that will sustain them for 72 hours.

Photo: Contributed - redcross.ca

"Our hearts go out to our neighbours in Alberta who continue to grapple with the aftermath of flooding. Emergencies can take an incredible toll on families and communities,” said Acting Mayor Garry Litke.

“We hope large emergencies such as those do not happen here, and yet, our history with wildland fires serves as a reminder that it could. We should remember that resilient communities are those that are prepared, and it is incumbent upon all of us to be ready just in case.”

Emergencies come in many forms, and could leave you and your family without power and/or water for extended periods of time. By nature emergencies are difficult to plan for; however, citizens are encouraged to be prepared to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency, enabling first responders to focus on those in urgent need.

Residents may have some of the items already, such as food, water and a battery-operated or wind-up flashlight. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find, ensuring people can find supplies like flashlights in the dark. Kits should be in a central location like a front hall closet, and also should be easy to carry – in a backpack, duffel bag or suitcase with wheels.

If there are many people in your household, your emergency kit could get heavy. It is a good idea to separate some of these supplies into several backpacks. That way, your kit will be more portable and each person can personalize his or her own grab-and-go emergency kit.

It is also beneficial to build an emergency kit for the car, to ensure you and your loved ones are ready on the road.

There are plenty of online resources that help families develop an emergency plan, as well as checklist items for emergency preparedness kits.

Visit Emergency Management BC’s website at  for information.