The last few weeks have brought more than one large weather system through the Southeast and the Steinbach Emergency Coordinator says it's good to be prepared for the worst.

Denis Vassart notes having a 72-hour emergency kit is important in the event of a power outage or severe weather event which prevents leaving a residence for an extended period of time.

"First thing you're going to need is water. 2-litres of water per person, per day. You need food that won't spoil - canned food, energy bars, dried food, and a manual can opener. You need a flashlight and batteries. You need a battery powered or wind-up radio, a first-aid kit, candles, and something that will keep you warm."

Vassart adds it's also important to make sure there's as much heat retention as possible.

"A lot depends on the house and if you keep the doors closed. In a power outage, even in this weather, you can probably get by on three or four hours before you will notice the temperature drop. The temperature will drop down to about 17 or 18 degrees and you can dress up and stay warm in your house."

He says there are very few people who have back-up generators and there are storage batteries available for purchase which would carry enough juice to charge a cell phone at least twice. Vassart adds there would come a point during a power outage where, as an emergency team, they would set up warming shelters in Steinbach to aid those who can no longer stay in their home.