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How to Create a 72-Hour Emergency Kit for Island Living

Posted on by Terry

Emergencies can happen at any time, and for residents of Amherst Island, preparedness is especially important. Living on an island brings unique challenges, such as reliance on ferry services, limited access to mainland resources, and the possibility of power outages during storms. The Government of Canada advises all residents to have enough supplies to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours—the time it may take for emergency services to respond during a widespread disaster.

Here’s how to build a comprehensive 72-hour emergency kit tailored to island living.

Why a 72-Hour Emergency Kit Is Essential

A 72-hour emergency kit ensures that you and your family can remain safe, comfortable, and self-sufficient during disruptions caused by severe weather, extended power outages, or other emergencies. On Amherst Island, factors like ferry delays and the rural setting mean that outside help could take longer to arrive. Being prepared can prevent panic and provide peace of mind during uncertain times.

What to Include in Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit

1. Water

  • Recommendation: Store at least 4 litres of water per person per day—2 litres for drinking and 2 litres for hygiene and cooking.
  • For a family of four, this means 48 litres (12.7 gallons) for three days.
  • Include a portable water filtration device or purification tablets in case you need to access water from natural sources such as the lake.

2. Food

  • Choose non-perishable, ready-to-eat items:
    • Canned goods (soups, beans, fruits, vegetables)
    • High-energy snacks (granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter)
    • Dried foods (instant oatmeal, pasta, rice)
    • Comfort foods (instant coffee, tea, chocolate)
  • Quantity: Enough to last each person for three days.
  • Include a manual can opener and utensils.

3. Light and Power

  • Flashlights: At least one per household member, with extra batteries.
  • LED Lanterns: Provide broader light for larger areas.
  • Power Banks/Solar Chargers: Keep phones and essential devices charged.
  • Candles and Matches: Store in a waterproof container.

4. First Aid Kit

  • Bandages, gauze, and adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic wipes and ointments
  • Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
  • Prescription medications (enough for three days)
  • Scissors, tweezers, and a first aid manual

5. Communication Tools

  • Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: Stay informed about local updates and weather alerts.
  • Whistle: Useful for signalling for help.

6. Clothing and Warmth

  • Warm Clothing: Include layers, hats, gloves, and socks.
  • Blankets or Sleeping Bags: Ensure they are rated for cold weather.
  • Rain Gear: Lightweight rain ponchos or waterproof jackets.

7. Tools and Supplies

  • Multi-tool or pocketknife
  • Duct tape and zip ties
  • Plastic sheeting or tarps (for temporary shelter or repairs)
  • Matches or lighters (in a waterproof container)

8. Personal Hygiene Items

  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
  • Soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste
  • Toilet paper and biodegradable waste bags

9. Important Documents

  • Copies of ID, insurance policies, and medical records stored in a waterproof container.
  • Contact information for family members and emergency services.

10. Miscellaneous Supplies

  • Cash: Small bills, as electronic payment systems may be down.
  • Pet Supplies: Food, water, and medications for pets.
  • Baby Supplies: Formula, diapers, wipes, and baby food, if needed.
  • Entertainment: Books, cards, or small games to keep everyone occupied.

Additional Considerations for Island Living

Transportation Challenges

Amherst Island residents rely on the ferry for mainland access, which can be delayed or suspended during severe weather. Ensure your vehicle has:

  • A full gas tank
  • A car emergency kit (jumper cables, flares, snowbrush, etc.)
  • Spare blankets and water

Power Outages

Invest in a small generator if feasible, along with enough fuel to run essential appliances for three days. Ensure proper ventilation for generator use and store fuel safely.

Community Resources

Familiarize yourself with the locations on the island that may provide refuge in the event of an emergency, such as the Community Centre, churches, and other locations. While these may not be official emergency shelters, in the event of a true emergency they may become important for the safety of the community. Stay connected with local communication channels, such as CJAI, community email lists, or social media, for timely updates.

Maintaining Your Kit

  • Regular Updates: Check your kit every six months to replace expired items and update supplies based on family needs.
  • Accessible Storage: Keep your kit in a waterproof container or bag in a location that’s easy to access during an emergency.
  • Practice Drills: Review emergency procedures with your household to ensure everyone knows where the kit is and how to use it.

Preparedness Brings Peace of Mind

Emergencies may be unpredictable, but your ability to handle them doesn’t have to be. A well-prepared 72-hour emergency kit gives you the confidence to face disruptions and ensures your household’s safety. For Amherst Island residents, where weather and ferry access can impact response times, preparedness is especially vital.

Start building your kit today and encourage your neighbours to do the same. If there are other things you think we’ve missed in this article, please comment them down below. Together we can help ensure that all island residents are prepared in case of emergency on the island.

Update on Amherst Islander II following ROMA Conference

Posted on by Terry

Loyalist Township has released an update on the Amherst Islander II following the ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association) Conference. The update includes information about the hiring of an project management firm to help with getting the Amherst Islander II ready for operation.

Read the full text of the update here.

Amherst Island Blooms – 2023

Posted on by Terry

Amherst Island Blooms is a program that recognizes gardeners on Amherst Island for their outstanding work in beautifying and enriching the island. The program, which is now in its third year, is run by the Amherst Island Community Alliance and relies on nominations from the community to identify and celebrate outstanding gardeners.

Amherst Island Blooms is not just limited to flower gardeners but also includes vegetable gardeners. The program recognizes gardeners who have dedicated their time and effort to create beautiful gardens and flourishing vegetable patches on the island. The recognition is not only a celebration of the gardeners’ achievements but also an appreciation of the work they have done to improve the aesthetic of the island and promote sustainable living.

The nomination process for Amherst Island Blooms is straightforward and easy. You, the community, nominate your favourite gardeners through the online form below. The form asks you to name and describe the gardener and their garden. The nomination period is open from May 20th until July 3rd, after which all island residents who are nominated receive the annual recognition “leaf” to add to their collection.

The “leaf” is a beautiful memento for the gardeners who are recognized by the program. It is a symbol of their hard work and dedication to making Amherst Island a beautiful place to live. The “leaf” is a physical reminder of their contributions and encourages them to continue their work in the future.

The Amherst Island Blooms program is not only a celebration of our great gardeners but also a way to promote sustainable living on the island. Vegetable gardening is an excellent way to promote healthy eating and reduce the carbon footprint of the community.

Nominate your favourite gardener today and let them know that their hard work is appreciated.

Make Your Nomination Below

Open Air Burning in Loyalist Township

Posted on by Terry

As with many areas across the province, the risk of wildfires is always present on Amherst Island, particularly during dry periods or high winds. To mitigate the risk of fires, Loyalist Township has implemented a fire burn ban system that regulates open air burning and campfires in certain areas. As part of Loyalist Township, Amherst Island and its residents are subject to the Open Air Burning Bylaw and the rules and regulations set out in it.

The fire burn ban system in Loyalist Township consists of three effective statuses: No Ban, Partial Ban, and Total Fire Ban. Each status is determined by a number of factors including weather conditions, fire risk assessment, and current fire activity. Let’s take a closer look at each of these statuses.

The No Ban status means that open air burning and campfires are allowed within designated areas in the township based on the regulations set out in the Open Air Burning Bylaw. However, residents are still required to exercise caution when using fire, particularly during dry or windy periods, and to obtain a burn permit if required. Burn permits are available free of charge at the township office or online. No fire in Loyalist Township is allowed to burn unsupervised at any time.

The Partial Ban status means that open air burning is limited to campfires and outdoor fireplaces and cooking devices, but only under specific conditions. For example, in certain areas of the township special spark inhibitors are required on campfire and cooking fires. The restrictions are put in place to reduce the risk of fires spreading and to ensure that residents can still enjoy the outdoors safely.

The Total Fire Ban status is the most restrictive and means that all open air burning and campfires are prohibited in the township. This status is typically only implemented during periods of high fire risk, such as during droughts or when there are high winds. During a Total Fire Ban, all open air burning, including campfires and cooking fires, are strictly prohibited. Violating the ban can result in fines and penalties.

Outside and in addition to the fire ban statuses is a permit process for fires in Loyalist Township, this includes brush fires and agricultural fires which have specific definitions in the bylaw related to material being burned and size of the burn pile. All such fires require a permit and none of them is permissible during a partial or total burn ban, or during any of the conditions that restrict burning in the township (such as winds in excess of 30kmh).

Floating and flying fires (such as celebratory floating lanterns) are prohibited at all times regardless of the burn ban status.

The fire burn ban statuses and permit process in Loyalist Township are designed to help protect residents and the environment from the dangers of wildfires. It’s important for residents and visitors to familiarize themselves with the current status and to follow any restrictions or bans that are in place. By doing so, we can all help to prevent fires and ensure that the beautiful natural areas of Amherst Island remain safe for generations to come.

You can find the current fire ban status on the Loyalist Township website here: https://www.loyalist.ca/en/living-in-loyalist/open-air-burning-and-wildland-fires.aspx

Applications for open air burn permits can be made here (permits are free of charge): https://loyalistfire.burnpermits.com/login

NOTE: Township by-laws change from time to time and this article is considered current as of the time it was posted. Please ensure your compliance with the by-law by referencing it directly through the link above.

Loyalist Township Report a Concern Form

Posted on by Terry

Loyalist Township offers residents a convenient way to report their concerns about local issues through its “Report a Concern” feature on its website. The feature allows residents to report a range of concerns, including poor road conditions, park maintenance, flooding, by-law infractions, and more. This form also allows residents to make general inquiries such as questions about by-laws, construction projects, and township-issued permits.

Using the “Report a Concern” feature is simple and easy. Residents can access the feature on the Loyalist Township website, and then fill out a form to report their concern. The form asks for details about the issue, such as the location of the problem and a description of the concern. Residents can also attach photos to provide additional information about the issue.

The form is available here: https://www.loyalist.ca/en/living-in-loyalist/report-a-concern.aspx

Once a concern has been submitted, the Loyalist Township staff will review the report and take appropriate action to address the issue. This may include sending out maintenance crews to repair damaged roads, mow grass at sports fields, or address by-law infractions.

The “Report a Concern” feature is a valuable tool for residents to use in helping to keep their community safe and well-maintained. By providing an easy way to report concerns, Loyalist Township can quickly respond to issues and improve the overall quality of life for its residents.

Reporting concerns to the township is crucial because it allows them to collect valuable data on local issues. By tracking the number and types of concerns reported, the township can identify patterns and trends, allowing them to make informed decisions about how to allocate resources and prioritize future initiatives. For example, if the township receives a large number of reports about a particular road, they may choose to invest in repairing or repaving it. Without this data, it would be much harder for the township to identify and address the most pressing issues in the community. By reporting concerns, residents can help ensure that our community receives the attention and resources it needs to thrive.

Amherst Island Blooms – 2022

Posted on by Terry

Amherst Island Blooms (AI Blooms) is BACK!

AI Blooms is a recognition program for any resident (whether permanent or seasonal) that encourages and rewards your efforts to beautify your gardens. By recognizing efforts spent on garden plantings, we hope to encourage residents to put some thought into how your individual efforts benefit this wonderful place we all call home. Whether you have beds, borders, containers or any combination thereof, it all counts!

Nominations open June 1 and close on June 30. The nomination can be from anyone and you are welcome to nominate yourself.

This initiative is for all islanders, no matter how green your thumbs might be! Plantings can be annual or perennial flowers, shrubs or trees, vegetables, fruit – nomination worthiness is in the eye of the beholder. Emphasis is on participation!

AI Blooms recognition markers will be distributed in July.

We hope this gets your gardening ideas percolating.

Make Your Nomination Below