Prepared Homes, Prepared People: A New Year Reminder About Emergency Readiness
The start of a new year is when many of us reset.
- We make plans.
- We set goals.
- We organize what matters.
It’s also the perfect time to think about something most people only consider after it’s too late: emergency preparedness.
- Not in a dramatic way.
- Not in a fear-based way.
Just calmly and realistically.
Because emergencies don’t wait for the “right” moment.
A Reminder from Close to Home
Not long ago, our community was reminded of this reality.
Following the failure of an underground watermain — the kind of infrastructure issue that can happen in any town, at any time — parts of Collingwood experienced a boil water advisory.
For some households, it was inconvenient.
For others, especially families with children, seniors, or medical needs, it was stressful.
And moments like that reveal something important:
- Preparedness isn’t about panic.
- It’s about reducing stress when the unexpected happens.
A Quiet Thank-You Worth Repeating
During that advisory, one quiet act of community support stood out.
Ice River Springs — a Canadian bottled water company based in Shelburne, Ontario — stepped up and donated bottled water to help residents during the advisory. Friday night around 5pm the advisory was issued, Saturday morning they brought a truck full of bottled water, donated to the community for those who needed it
- There was no splashy promotion.
- No marketing campaign.
- hey simply helped.
The Town of Collingwood publicly thanked them at the time, and that gesture is still worth acknowledging — especially as we head into a new year focused on preparation and resilience.
Now, to be clear: this isn’t about promoting bottled water as an everyday choice. Collingwood’s tap water is typically excellent, and strong public infrastructure matters.
But emergencies are different.
And when a Canadian company quietly supports a community in a moment of need, it deserves recognition.
Why This Still Matters Now
You might be thinking: That was last month — why talk about it now?
Because the lesson is evergreen.
Emergencies don’t follow calendars.
They show up as:
- Power outages during cold snaps
- Water issues from aging infrastructure
- Ice storms
- Furnace failures in January
- Flooded basements in spring
None of these are rare anymore.
Yet many households still start the year without:
- A basic emergency preparedness kit
- A backup plan for heat or power
- Easy access to important documents
- A financial plan for unexpected costs
Preparedness isn’t pessimism.
It’s responsibility.
What a Real Emergency Preparedness Kit Looks Like
A good emergency kit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just needs to be thought through.
1️⃣ Water & Food
- Drinking water for at least 72 hours
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Bottled water for times when tap water isn’t usable
This is where community support — like what Ice River Springs provided — becomes critical.
2️⃣ Heat, Light & Power
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Candles with proper holders
- A backup heat plan
- Portable phone chargers or power banks
Winter emergencies don’t wait for repairs.
3️⃣ Health & Medications
- Prescription medications
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Copies of medical information
- Special considerations for children or seniors
Health needs don’t pause when systems go down.
4️⃣ Documents & Communication
- Copies of ID
- Backups of your pictures and documents, stored outside of your home (like another house, a safety deposit box, etc)
- Insurance policies
- Emergency contact lists
- A simple family communication plan
Preparation here prevents chaos later.
The Part Most Kits Miss: Financial Preparedness
This is the piece almost everyone overlooks — and often regrets.
Emergencies cost money.
Not because someone made a mistake, but because:
- Repairs don’t wait
- Insurance deductibles still apply
- Temporary accommodations cost real dollars
- Missed work affects cash flow
A financial preparedness plan is just as important as water and batteries.
That means:
- An emergency fund
- Access to affordable credit before you need it
- Knowing your insurance deductibles
- Understanding your options calmly — not under pressure
Here’s the truth most homeowners only learn the hard way:
- You don’t arrange financing during an emergency.
- You arrange it before one happens.
The same way you don’t build an emergency kit in the middle of a crisis.
Why This Matters for Homeowners in 2026
Homeownership is about more than rates and payments.
It’s about resilience.
Prepared homeowners:
- Recover faster
- Avoid rushed decisions
- Reduce stress on their families
- Protect long-term financial stability
Financial preparedness might look like:
- A HELOC set up but unused
- Understanding refinance options
- Knowing where your equity sits
- Reviewing insurance alongside financing
Not because something will happen — but because if it does, you’re ready.
That’s not alarmist.
That’s smart ownership.
Community Resilience Starts at Home
What stood out most during the advisory wasn’t the inconvenience — it was the response.
- Municipal teams worked through repairs.
- Distribution centres were organized.
- A Canadian company stepped up quietly.
- Neighbours checked in on neighbours.
That’s community resilience.
And it’s exactly the mindset worth carrying into a new year.
Final Thought
As we move into 2026, consider this a calm reminder — not a warning.
Thank you again to Ice River Springs for stepping up when help was needed.
And for everyone else: preparedness isn’t about fear. It’s about peace of mind.
Because when something unexpected happens, the plan you made before matters most.
Stuart....