The Energy City has faced numerous scary situations over the last few years, proving the importance of citizens being prepared for any eventuality.

That said, as Emergency Preparedness Week wraps up, Fire Chief Dale Feser gave a few recommendations for readying an emergency kit.

"With the events that we do see come through the city, such as blizzards and downed power-lines, we want to make sure that everybody will be able to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours."

  • "We want to make sure that we have lots of water to drink. At least two liters per person per day.
  • You want to make sure that you have food in there. Stuff that won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars or dried fruits. Something that is high in protein but small and compact.
  • You'll want manual can openers to open up those cans, especially as you could be without power in some instances. 
  • You should have a crank or battery powered flashlight, or at least have extra batteries for your flashlights and any other battery powered equipment.
  • A crank or battery operated radio, as well as extra batteries for that. The radio station has a backup generator, so we will try to utilize their services to get messages out to the public.
  • Obviously we will want a first aid kit in there as well, just in case somebody suffers a bump, bruise or scratch.
  • Make sure you have extra keys for vehicles and homes.
  • Try and carry a little bit of cash on you. Everybody has credit cards and debit cards and whatnot, so it's not something that people always have on them, however, you'll want a small amount of cash in smaller bills and change for payphones.
  • Make an emergency plan for your house and family. Keep a copy of it with contact information so that way others know who to inform if someone suffers an injury.
  • Finally, ensure that you have special items such as prescription medication, infant formula, and equipment for people with disabilities."

Feser added that the Fire Department was making the rounds of the schools during the week, and sending children home with information regarding the preparing of such an emergency kit.