Spring into action and check your emergency supply kit this weekend 

When it’s time to change your clocks this weekend, remember to check the supplies in your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit.

Oxford County’s Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks campaign reminds everyone to refresh their emergency supplies now before disaster strikes. In the event of an emergency, a 72-hour emergency kit supplies basic needs for you and your family for at least three days (72 hours), when responders may be busy assisting others.

The coming months can bring unpredictable emergencies, including storms and power outages. Ensure your emergency stockpile has enough food, water and supplies to last you and your family, including pets, for three days. Check that your kit is not short on essential items, like first-aid supplies, and replace expired food and batteries. Update important documents, such as copies of identification, insurance policies, and emergency contact information.

Remember also to re-evaluate your situation: have you accounted for new family members, a new child, a parent living with you, or a new pet?

Daylight saving time changes in the spring and fall are also a time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is the law for all Ontario homes to have a working smoke alarm on every story and outside all sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms are also mandatory for most homes in Ontario.

Remember, old batteries should not be thrown in your curbside garbage. You can recycle old or leaky batteries for free at Oxford County Waste Management Facility or Woodstock’s EnviroDepot.

If you haven’t created an emergency kit, now is the time to create one. Find the emergency supplies checklist and read the top 5 things to do now by visiting www.oxford72hours.ca.