Flooding: Idiots are getting in the way
Idiots are going to the flood zones to see the sights and take selfies. Cops are asking people to stay away, and especially not to climb onto the sandbag dikes.
CTV has a list from Public Security of stuff you should have in a go-bag for evacuations and emergencies. It’s a long list but slightly musty. Surely a solar-powered phone recharger ought to be on there, while “a deck of cards, books, magazines” sounds positively quaint now. And nobody ever seems to ask how you’re meant to get an extra supply of Rx meds “just for emergencies” wink wink.
Ian 09:56 on 2019-04-30 Permalink
That’s a pretty bg list that implies a lot of storage space like a minivan… most of the cooking supplies would have to be optional even if you have a compact car. Hand-cranked battery rechargers & flashlights are a must-have. An emergency transponder is a very good idea in case you get lost or isolated. I’d also be inclined to suggest a pot for boiling stuff in (not just utensils), a personal water filtration straw (carrying too much water is super heavy and a waste of space), duct tape, waterproof bags, needle & thread, a more serious knife with a serrated edge, a utility knife, crazy glue, and a pack of maxipads which beyond their intended use are super useful for stopping blood flow in case of injury. Also a good idea to bring along some little niceties that go a long way to making you feel better, like sugarcubes.
Also of course, a towel (nod to Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy – they really are super useful)
Kevin 10:12 on 2019-04-30 Permalink
@Kate
You ask your doctor for an extra supply for your emergency kit. Doesn’t everyone do this?
I’ll note that list doesn’t include a cell phone, on the assumption that cell phone networks often break down in emergencies. And last time I price checked solar panel chargers they were very pricey for the output. But battery packs are cheap and useful (and some double as bluetooth speakers, so…)
As for the card games: having stuff to do that doesn’t require electricity is always a good idea for when you’re stuck in a shelter with dozens of people.
@Ian
It’s a big list because it implies you’re at home, although it’s possible to stuff a lot of that stuff into a backpack. Or a duffel bag to toss into your car. Although if it really is a bugout situation, I’d think getting out of Montreal in a car would become impossible so I’d want to shift to two wheels.
Ian 10:24 on 2019-04-30 Permalink
If this were Toronto I’d agree but there are lots of routes off island and 30 minutes out of town here is sheer wilderness. I don’t know if your family is capable of bicycling through the Laurentians with full bug-out kit but I’m pretty sure mine isn’t… in any case I’m not talking a civil war scenario, just a localized natural disaster – there’s sure to be at least one bridge still up, we aren’t in a serious earthquake zone. In any case, in a “real” scenario I’m more of a camper than a hiker if you get my meaning. Communal effort will go further than hiding out in the woods IMO.
Kevin 10:46 on 2019-04-30 Permalink
@Ian
I’m thinking along the lines of the Highway 13 jam which was caused by one toppled truck. A few fender benders on Decarie during the rush hour from hell and tens of thousands of people would be stuck honking until they run out of gas.
Ian 10:57 on 2019-04-30 Permalink
Oh absolutely – but this scenario is an evacuation. If this were a real emergency you’d be better off snipping a gate and running a truck up the railway since trains would be cancelled (for instance). The “I died because I got stuck in the inevitable traffic jam” is disaster movie 101 stuff.