People across the province are getting ready for hurricane Earl.

The Canadian Red Cross is reminding you to take the proper precautions to deal with the possible effects and aftermath of the storm.

Spokesperson Dan Bedell tells The Hawk there are a couple of important things to remember.

"In terms of individual preparedness, really, now is the time to do two things," he says. "One is to either put together for the first time, or update an emergency plan for your household, which includes evacuation planning, and the second thing people should do is put together an emergency kit."

Bedell says the kit is important just in case the storm hits hard.

"That can be something that can help you through those initial hours of a hurricane's aftermath if you are confined to your home," he says. "Or, in the event that you are forced to or need to evacuate, you have those key items with you."

He says emergency crews need a few days to respond to the most urgent matters.

"We encourage every household to be able to look after themselves for at least the first two or three days after a major event like a hurricane," he says.

Bedell says it's also nice to look out for neighbors, especially elderly ones or people who may live alone.

He says you should include the following in your emergency kit:

Bottled water
Non-perishable food
Can opener
Small first-aid kit
Radio (either battery or wind-up)
Flashlight
Spare house key
Spare car key
Medications
Eyeglasses
Cash (debt/credit card machines may be down)
Batteries

You can visit the Canadian Red Cross website for more on emergency measures.