Emergency Kit Details and Suggestions

View the full 72 Hours Emergency Planning Manual.

Prepare a Family Emergency Kit

In an emergency you will need some basic supplies. You may be without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Although you may have some of the items already, such as a flashlight, battery operated or crank radio, food, water and blankets, the key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find should you need to evacuate (leave your home).

Keep your kit in a backpack or suitcase with wheels in an easy-to-reach, accessible location such as a front hall closet. Ensure that everyone in the household knows where the emergency kit is located.

Water

Store at least a three-day supply of water for each member of your family
Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
Change your stored water supply every six months to ensure it stays fresh

Tip: A normally active person needs to drink at least two (2) litres of water each day. It is a good idea to have at least four (4) litres per person per day to provide additional water for washing, cooking, etc.

Ways to Purify Water:

Boiling water for one (1) minute is an effective method of disinfection. Improve the taste by pouring it back and forth between two containers which puts oxygen back into it.
Purification tablets are inexpensive and available at most sporting goods stores, some drugstores and on online sites (such as Amazon).

Food

Store at least a three (3) day supply of non-perishable food and select foods that do not require refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. See Power Outages for information on how to keep your food stored safely if the power goes.

Select food items that are compact and lightweight such as:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Canned/tetra packed juices, milk and soup
Staples such as sugar, salt, pepper, spices
High energy foods (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix)
Foods for infants, elderly people or people on special diets
Comfort/stress foods – cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea bags, hot chocolate

Tip: Don’t forget a manual can opener, disposable utensils and non-perishable food for your pets.

Generators

First Aid Supplies

Purchase a complete first aid kit and first aid manual. Add personal care items such as toothpaste and soap, and a supply of non- prescription drugs such as:

Pain relievers (e.g. acetaminophen)
Anti-diarrhea medication
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Antacid
Laxative

TIP: If you must leave your home in an emergency, be sure to take prescription drugs with you as well as your MEDICAL ALERT BRACELET or IDENTIFICATION.

Battery-operated or wind up radio and flashlight (extra batteries)
Candle
Duct tape
Compass
Whistle
Matches in waterproof container
Plastic sheeting
Paper and pen
City map (for locating shelters)
Emergency blanket
Pocket knife or multi-tool
Playing cards

Tip: Automated bank machines and their networks may not work during an emergency or blackout. You may have difficulty using debit or credit cards.

Pre-packaged kits

For Individuals with Disabilities

Establish a personal support network of friends, relatives, health care providers, co-workers and neighbours who understand your special needs.
Compile an inclusive list of medical requirements, medications, allergies and other special health needs specific to your circumstance.
Keep a copy of this information in your emergency kit, and give a copy to your personal support network.
Talk to your doctor about preparing an emergency kit, if possible, with a two-week supply of medication and medical supplies. Include prescriptions and medical documents. Remember that pharmacies may be closed for some time or you may not be able to get to one, even after an emergency is over.
If you use a mobility device, include a tire patch kit, can of seal- in-air product, supply of inner tubes, pair of heavy gloves and a spare deep-cycle battery for motorized wheelchair or scooter.
If you have a visual impairment, include an extra white cane, talking or Braille clock and any reading devices/assistive technology to access information.
If you have a hearing impairment include extra writing pads and pencils for communication, pre-printed key phrases you would use during an emergency and extra batteries for assistive devices.
Assistive devices and any other contingency supplies unique to your special needs.

Additional information for Emergency Preparedness for people with disabilities

Pets

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