Do you have an emergency kit at home?
If a disaster or catastrophe struck tomorrow morning, would you be ready to face it? It is recommended to have an emergency kit on hand to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, in case you are without electricity or clean water.
You may already have many of these items at home, but would you be able to find them quickly in the dark?
The “72 Hours…Is Your Family Prepared?” campaign by Public Safety Canada encourages Canadians to prepare to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours following a disaster, so that first responders can assist those who need it most.
What to put in your emergency kit?
The important thing is to organize your supplies so you can find them quickly. Would you be able to?
Make sure your kit is easy to carry and that all household members know where it is located.
It is your responsibility to start gathering basic items and think about what your family will need for at least 72 hours in case of an emergency.
Checklist for a basic emergency kit:
- Water — two liters per person per day (including small bottles)
- Non-perishable foods such as canned food, energy bars, and dehydrated foods (replace water and food every year)
- Manual can opener
- Hand-crank or battery-powered flashlight (and spare batteries)
- Hand-crank or battery-powered radio (and spare batteries)
- First aid kit
- Spare keys for the car and house
- Cash
- Copies of important family documents, such as identification, insurance documents, and bank statements
- Emergency plan — keep a copy in your kit, along with important contact information.
Consider adding the following items to your kit, as needed:
- Two additional liters of water per day per person for food preparation and hygiene
- Candles and matches or a lighter (place candles in sturdy containers and do not leave them burning unattended)
- Spare clothes and shoes for all family members
- Sleeping bag or blanket for all family members
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
- Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and garbage bags
- Mobile phone charger
- Food and supplies for pets
- Infant preparation and baby food and supplies
- Activities for children, such as books, puzzles, or toys
- Prescription medications, medical supplies
- Utensils, plates, and cups
- Bleach or water purification tablets
- Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdriver, work gloves, pocket knife)
- Small fuel stove and fuel
- Whistle (to attract attention)
- Electric tape
*** Video that can be shared on social media : https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx
