Natural hazards can trigger emergencies that affect us in many ways. It’s important to know the risks, hazards, and emergencies that could occur in your area and how to best prepare for them.

There are many types of emergencies that could happen in Nova Scotia,  such as wildfires, hurricanes, storm surges, and flooding. In addition to natural disasters there are other types of risks, such as power outages, industrial accidents and major transportation accidents.

But what about a zombie apocalypse?

From Resident Evil, to Night of the Living Dead, to World War Z, to The Walking Dead – zombies can be found throughout pop culture. Some believe a zombie apocalypse might even be possible.

Imagine…zombies rolling down Citadel Hill, taking shelter on the Halifax waterfront, or stuck in the mud in the Bay of Fundy.

We’re pretty sure zombies are not a threat to our province, but it’s a good idea to be prepared for emergencies at all times.

How should you prepare for a zombie apocalypse? The answer is, the same way you’d prepare for any risk or emergency. If you’re prepared for zombies, you’re prepared for anything.

The following list contains real risks and hazards that could happen in Nova Scotia:

• Floods
• Hurricanes
• Becoming lost
• Power outages
• Storm surges
• Wildfires

Zombie apocalypse did not make the list, but – as previously mentioned – it could happen! Right?

We don’t always know when or why emergencies happen, and we can’t always stop them in their tracks. But we can prepare for them.

Similar to the “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” scenario, you should sit down with your family and design an emergency plan that outlines what to do and who to call should you need to protect yourselves from the zombies, or any other emergency. Discuss potential risks and hazards that could affect your area of residence and know what to do should anything happen.

These are the items that you should have accessible to you should an emergency happen. Remember, zombies are simple – they eat human beings. Human beings need more to survive.

In case of emergency, you should put together an emergency kit, including:

• Water – at least two litres of water per person per day; include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace food and water once a year)
• Manual can-opener
• Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries). Replace batteries once a year.
• Crank, battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) or Weatheradio
• First aid kit
• Extra keys to your car and house
• Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills and change for payphones
• A copy of your emergency plan and contact information

If applicable, other items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, and food and water for your pets.

Make sure everyone in your family knows where to find the emergency kit and that it’s reviewed annually to ensure it’s up to date.

Additional items to consider, include:

• Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning
• Candles and matches or lighter (place candles in deep, sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)
• Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
• Toilet paper, toiletries, hand sanitizer
• Utensils and garbage bags
• Water purifying tablets
• Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust mask, pocket knife)
• A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
• Duct tape (to tape up windows, doors, air vents, etc.)

While the likelihood a zombie apocalypse actually happening is minimal, all of this information is important. Emergency Preparedness Week reminds us all to take some time and plan for our family’s safety should an emergency take place.

Does your family have an emergency plan in place?