READY? SET? GO ... WHERE’S YOUR GO BAG??

The residents stood in the snowy condo parking lot barefoot, pajama clad and unprepared on a personal level for the rapid dash from the smoke-filled halls following a 1 a.m. kitchen fire. It was an eerie scene to arrive at and remains fresh in my mind some years later. The nearby condominium across the way opened its lobby doors in response to a prearranged reciprocal emergency planning agreement set in place some years prior which the two condominium managers updated annually.

Step one – get everyone to safety and out of the cold.  Check.

Some residents quickly realized how unprepared they each were for fleeing away from essential items with no notice. The very few residents who had been afforded the ‘GO BAG’ info in the past were prepared and were surprised their neighbours were in chaos. Let’s spread the word on the GO BAG far and wide ASAP.  It all starts right here. Right now. Here’s the scoop!  

Essentials in an easy to carry bag stashed in the closet nearest to the exit door from your suite is what we call the ‘GO BAG’. Various organizations have published handouts and emergency preparedness should be a part of taking care of oneself and those we care for, and care about. Just some of the items to have in your ‘GO BAG’ include:

• Extra car keys
• A few days of medication, copies of prescriptions and doctor info.
• Extra eyeglasses (the old set is better than nothing) and latest glasses Rx.
• Walking shoes.
• Change of clothes.
• Pet collar and leash.
• Bank cards and perhaps a bit of cash.
• Flashlight (small pocket size)
• Hand sanitizer
• Non-perishable snack and bottle of water
• List of important phone numbers
• Light blanket
• Diapers & baby food

Following are some links to resources about GO BAG planning that provide many ideas and tips to draw from:
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/91f4-OEM_HighRiseGuide.pdf http://www.getemergencyprepared.com/forms/grabngo.pdf https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/be-ready-emergency- preparedness-and-recovery/get-an-emergency-kit

Ready? Set? Go!   NOW you are READY!   Please pass it on to your friends, neighbours and loved ones.

Debbie Dale
MCRS Property Management