It's Emergency Preparedness Week in Winnipeg, the perfect time to create your 72-hour survival kit.

The City of Winnipeg wants to encourage citizens to learn about planning ahead of emergencies. The theme for this year's Emergency Preparedness Week is Plan. Prepare. Be Aware.

"[Emergency Preparedness Week] is an event that we try to build information and resiliency through making sure people understand the risks, the hazards, and why they should be prepared," said Jay Shaw, Assistant Chief Emergency Management for the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

Shaw says the most well-known emergency situation in Winnipeg flooding, but warns that isn't all you need to prepare for. "[One] of the most substantial risks that we face [is] summer storms," Shaw said.

The City advises all families to build a 72 hour emergency kit for situations like that, in case emergency responders cannot get to your situation quickly.

They highly recommend all kits include:

  • Water (2 litres per person per day)
  • Food that won't spoil
  • Manual can opener
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered radio (or wind-up)
  • First aid kit
  • Extra keys for car and house
  • Cash
  • Important family documents
  • Emergency plan

The City has a full website for emergencies where you can get all the details that you need.