Emergency response officials are encouraging residents to stock up on supplies this winter

By MICHELLE GEORGE

These are just three of the essential items people need to get through an emergency situation such as a massive snow storm or power outage.

Those who don't have these items and others in stock when bad weather hits could find themselves in a serious emergency situation, said Merrilee Taylor, emergency response coordinator for the Fairfield Department of Health.

The Fairfield Department of Health and the Fairfield County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security are encouraging residents to put together emergency kits for their homes as a precaution this winter.

"We noticed, back when we had the power outage in September, that a lot of people weren't prepared to ride it out once the outage extended beyond 48 hours," Taylor said. "Most people are used to getting their power back on within a short amount of time."

More than 20,000 residents in Fairfield County lost power in September after remnants of Hurricane Ike swept through the area and the rest of the state.

Some residents were without power for a week.

Taylor said the Department of Health has been encouraging residents to have homemade kits for years so they are prepared for an event such as a power outage.

Some of the essentials include water and canned goods, medications, toilet paper, candles and matches, Taylor said.

And don't forget items for the pets.

"When you're putting it together, think of packing away the same things you would if you were going camping," Taylor said.

Taylor recommends residents then stock the supplies in a large plastic container and tuck the container away to be pulled out only when an emergency strikes.

Director of the Fairfield County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Jon Kochis said people need to remember some of the lesser known essentials when packing their emergency kits.

"My favorite one is something to do," Kochis said. "If you're stuck inside your home or a shelter for several days, you'll want to have a book or a board game or something to help pass the time."

Kochis also advises residents to pay close attention to the expiration date of canned goods and medications to ensure food is fresh.

"We tell people to check their kits twice a year when they go to check their smoke detectors," Kochis said.