Daylight saving good time to update emergency kits

Thames Valley Civil Defence urges residents to use Daylight Saving change to update emergency kits.

In addition to putting clocks forward one hour and replacing fire alarm batteries, the change to Daylight Saving on Sunday is a good time to check emergency kits, according to Thames Valley Civil Defence.

Thames Valley Civil Defence Co-ordinator, Ron White says emergency kits should have what you need to survive at home or at work for at least three days.

"Place your emergency survival kit somewhere easy to get to in an emergency and make sure everyone in your house knows where it is kept."

"If you prefer to keep some of your emergency survival Items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them quickly when an emergency occurs."

Emergency items

Torch with spare batteries or hand charged LED torch
Radio with spare batteries
A change of clothes for all family members (wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, and strong outdoor shoes)
First aid kit and essential medicines
Blankets or sleeping bags
Pet supplies
Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
Face and dust masks

Food and water for at least three days

Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
Bottled water (at least 3 litres per person, per day for drinking)
Plan how to get water for washing and cooking (check your hot water cylinder, pond, toilet cistern if it is free of chemicals)
A primus or gas barbeque to cook on
A can opener
Plates and utensils

Supplies for babies and small children

Food, formula and drink
Change of clothing and nappies
Toys or favourite activity

Daylight Saving begins on the last day of 26 September (clocks go forward one hour) and ends on the first Sunday in April the following year (clocks go back one hour.)