Oxford County is encouraging residents to use this weekend's time change as a reminder to review their emergency preparedness kits.
The County's annual "Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks" campaign urges households to keep enough food, water and essential supplies on hand to last at least 72 hours.
With winter approaching, ice storms, power outages and other emergencies can happen with little warning.
Residents are encouraged to check their emergency kits for missing or expired items, update first aid supplies and ensure necessary medications are included.
The County also recommends reviewing important documents and emergency contact information, while accounting for the needs of children, pets and anyone with specific medical or dietary requirements.
Emergency kits should be customized to each household, with consideration given to circumstances that could delay assistance from first responders.
The time change is also an opportunity to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries.
Used or leaking batteries should not be placed in curbside garbage. They can be recycled free of charge at a local hazardous waste depot.
Residents who haven't assembled an emergency kit can find a checklist and additional preparedness information at oxford72hours.ca.
