Ready for an emergency

Times Reporter      

 

Travelling along the highways during the winter months can be treacherous at times. That’s why it’s always smart to keep an emergency kit in your car. 

“It is advisable when you’re travelling the roads in Alberta to have something in the back. After being involved in a number of incidents out on the highway, I have never met anybody prepared. They should have a kit in their vehicle,” said Strathmore Fire Department Chief Muir Furzer. 

Some of the main items every kit should include are a blanket, high-energy foods like trail mix or energy bars, water, a small shovel, a votive candle and a flashlight. Extra clothes are also always an essential item in an emergency kit. Having your cell phone charged and working can also be life saving if caught in an emergency situation.

“A traveler can make their kit as elaborate as they want. If you’re going to be stranded on the highway for a couple of hours and you want to be entertained somehow maybe throw a deck of cards in there, or a crib board just so they can pass the time while they’re sitting on the edge of the road,” said Furzer.

Dozens of people were stranded after a severe winter storm struck this past weekend, forcing the closures of many Alberta highways, including here in Strathmore. It was eerily similar to the winter storm in January 2011.

“It was surprising during that storm how many people were dressed to go to Mexico. They walk out of their house with their light clothes on because they know they’re going into an airport terminal,” said Furzer.

“It’s supposed to be warm, and then they’re getting onto an airplane that’s warm and then they end up in Mexico where it’s nice and warm but they got stranded along the highway with a pair of sandals on and cotton clothes. So dress appropriately,”

The worst time for winter storms in Alberta seems to be from the end of December until the middle of February, but that doesn’t mean you should wait a few more weeks to put a kit in your car. 

A good kit can be helpful year round if you end up stranded on the highway, so it’s important to pack one up and always keep it in your car. That way, if you ever need it, your kit is always there and ready.