Tips for coping with post-tropical storm Sandy

Governments and agencies are advising the public on how to properly prepare for post-tropical storm Sandy as heavy winds and rainfall cross the border into Canada.

The Ontario government's emergency management department has links to traffic reports and road closures as well as current flood forecasts for across the province.

The Red Cross is giving Canadians the following tips to prepare for the effects of the storm:

• Have at least a 72-hour supply of food and water. The food should be non-perishable and easy to prepare.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind. 
• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances. 
• Talk with your family and prepare an evacuation plan. Practise this plan consistently in order to avoid confusion and chaos in the midst of evacuation. 
• Create copies of personal documents such as birth certificates, passports and drivers' licences. 
• Keep extra cash on you. If the power is out for a significant amount of time you will not have access to bank machines.

The Red Cross advises assembling an emergency kit with:

• 12 litres of water (for drinking and washing) per person.
• 3 days of non-perishable or canned food per person.
• A manual can-opener; a crank or battery-operated flashlight; a battery-operated radio; extra batteries.
• A first-aid kit.
• Cash in small bills, medications, baby formula, other special-needs items.