As winter approaches, New Brunswickers are reminded to be ready in the event of severe weather.

The provincial government and the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization have designated this week as Storm Preparedness Week.

“Bad weather can strike anytime, and even if you don’t live in a harsher environment, the damage Toronto receives during an ice storm will be the same damage in New Brunswick,” said Geoffery Downey, spokesperson for New Brunswick EMO.

“Storms are going to come. It’s Canada, so people just need to be prepared.”

The New Brunswick government came up with three components to being prepared for an emergency:

• Know the risks: Evaluate the kind of emergency that can affect your family and community. Knowing the risks can help you prepare for any disaster.
• Make a plan: Every household needs an emergency plan. It takes less than 30 minutes to organize. Talk to your family about where you would meet, how you would contact each other and what you would do in different situations. Write it down and keep it in a safe place.
• Create an emergency kit: Have all the necessities for you and your family: water, food, flashlights, radio, batteries, first aid kit, prescription medications, infant formula, and cash (ATMs might not be operational in times of crisis).

More ways to prepare can be found by clicking here.