Red Cross reminds people to keep emergency kits ready for storm

The Canadian Red Cross is reminding people to be prepared with a winter storm hitting Saskatchewan.

The storm could drop between 20 and 50 centimetres — eight to 20 inches — of snow in various parts of the province over the weekend.

Georgiana Schuring, emergency management operations manager for the Canadian Red Cross, said people should check the Highway Hotline to see driving conditions and if people should just stay home.

She said if people are travelling, they should have an emergency pack ready to go that includes water, food, a light source, clothing and blankets.

“Even though you’re in that nice, cozy, warm vehicle, make sure you have gloves, hats and that right winter coat,” Schuring said. “You should be prepared for 72 hours.”

She said if someone’s car does get stuck or slide off the road, the safest place is to remain in the vehicle.

“If you have a cellphone, make sure you have a charger so that you can keep that phone going and call for help if needed,” Schuring said.

She said a lot of people are starting to get emergency packs made up.

“What we find is they leave it too late sometimes. It will be during the snowstorm that they think, ‘Ah, I didn’t get around to making that kit,’ ” Schuring said.

Schuring said people need to make sure they have enough food at home for everyone and if there’s an elderly neighbour who can’t go out to get supplies, to volunteer and grab some for them.

She said people should also be aware of alternate heat sources in their home in case the power goes out.

“Do you have a fireplace? Do you have a generator? If you don’t have these things, then you all want to be in one room that you can keep as warm as possible. Make sure you have candles now and a safe place to put those candles,” Schuring said.

She said people shouldn’t use propane heaters inside because the fumes are dangerous.