Sarnia's emergency management coordinator says this weekend's time change, is a good time to consider our emergency preparedness.
Ron Realesmith said the COVID pandemic has cast a bright light on the need to be prepared.
"I think COVID-19, for the first time in decades, has really highlighted where we actually haven't had goods and services available to us on demand. 2003 was the last time that we were without something, and that was power, and that was very short-lived. Now, all of a sudden, due to the pandemic, we're having conversations about lockdowns," said Realesmith. "That was only something we read about or watched on TV. Now, it's a part of our weekly conversation, and it's making us realize just the social fabric of which we live in and how fragile that can be if there's an emergency that does take place."
Realesmith said an emergency kit is essential for short-term survival, providing vital items for you, your family and also your household.
"First and foremost, you want to take care of water and we recommend that you have up to three litres of water per person for up to three days, non-perishable food and other items, such as a can opener or cutlery to eat the food with. Also, if you have pets, you want to make sure that you have food and adequate resources for them."
Realesmith also has a reminder for those already equipped with an emergency kit.
"If you do have an emergency kit, fantastic, and we do ask that you check on that kit every 12 months and replace items that are in it."
The clocks fall back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday as Daylight Saving Time ends.
The change means morning's will be brighter earlier and darkness will set in earlier in the evening.
Sarnia Fire and Rescue also uses the biannual time change to remind residents to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
We return to Daylight Saving Time the second weekend in March.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves
Red Cross suggestions for your home survival kit. (BlackburnNews file photo)
