If a disaster happens in any of our communities, it may take emergency workers some time to get to people in the most desperate need first. This means that we should all be prepared to take care of ourselves and our families for a minimum of 72 hours - hence the name of our new guide "72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Guide."

St. John Ambulance is working closely with the federal government's Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada(PSEPC), Salvation Army and Canadian Red Cross to prompt families to take the necessary steps to get prepared for a natural or manmade disaster. The key challenge is to create peace of mind by taking these three basic steps, including preparing or buying a St. John Ambulance Emergency Kit.

By taking a few simple steps today, we can become better prepared to face a range of emergency needs.

Step # 1
Know the risks.
Know your region
Across Canada, we face a number of hazards, from earthquakes to blizzards to hurricanes. In addition to natural disasters there are other types of risks, such as blackouts, industrial or Transportation incidence, and the possibility of acts of terrorism on Canadian soil. Get prepared for all types of emergencies.

Step # 2
Make a plan.
Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family to know what to do in case of an emergency. Plan how to meet or contact one another and discuss what you would do in different situations. The new 72-hour guide will include a planning template for this purpose. Keep the document in an easy-to-find, easy-to-remember place - e.g. with your official St. John Ambulance Emergency Kit.

Step # 3
Prepare a kit
In an emergency, you will need basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Saint John Ambulance emergency kits can be purchased at approved retail locations (www.sja.ca). Your emergency kit should include: