Be Prepared
Emergencies or disasters can sometimes make it unsafe for people to leave their homes for extended periods. Severe weather or long-term power outages may make it necessary for each household to take care of its own needs until the disaster abates, or until local officials and/or relief workers are able to help.
Prepare for a disaster before it strikes. Assemble a 72-hour Emergency Kit to keep in your home to survive on your own for at least three days without utilities and outside sources of food and water.
To prepare your kit:
Review the suggested checklist below and determine which tools and supplies your family would need to survive without power and outside sources of food and water for three days. As each family has different needs, use the following checklist as a guide, revising or adding to it as necessary to meet the needs of your family
Assemble your Emergency Kit
Supplies
There are six basics you should stock in your home:
water, food, first aid supplies, tools and supplies, clothing and bedding, and special items. Keep the items that you
would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container-suggested items are marked with an asterisk (*).
Possible containers include:
Water (Also See Preparing an Emergency Water Supply)
Store four litres of water per person per day (two litres for drinking, two litres for food preparation/sanitation)*
Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household
Store purification tablets or chlorine bleach and an eyedropper to disinfect water
Food (Also See Preparing an Emergency Food Supply)
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water
If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno or other heat source. Select food items that are compact and lightweight
Include a selection of the following foods in you 72 Hour Emergency Kit:
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
Staples such as: sugar, salt, pepper, spices
High energy foods (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix)
Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets
Comfort /stress foods- cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea bags, hot chocolate
Also include a Standard First Aid Kit:
Non-prescription drugs
Remember to fill up your vehicle with gas
Personal care items
Tools and supplies
Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
Battery operated radio and extra batteries*
Flashlight and extra batteries
Cash or traveler’s cheques, credit cards, change
Non-electric can opener, utility knife
Fire Extinguisher (small canister, ABC type)
Duct tape
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Paper, pencil
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of your community
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation use) Plastic bucket with tight lid
Household chlorine bleach, unscented
Emergency blanket
Rope
Shovel
Telephone that does not rely on electricity
Emergency heat source
Camp stove
An extra set of car & house keys
Clothing and bedding
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
Sturdy shoes or work boots*
Rain gear*
Blankets or sleeping bags* Hat and gloves, scarves* Underwear*
Sweaters*
Special items
Remember family members with special needs, such as infants, elderly, and/or persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
For baby*
Formula with extra sterile water to mix (if powdered or concentrate) Bottles
Disposable diapers
Diaper Wipes
Petroleum jelly
Extra clothing as babies may soil more clothing than older children Snowsuit if cold
Medications
Toys
For children and adults*
Prescription and non-prescription medications (7 days supply) Contact lenses and supplies
Denture needs
Extra eye glasses
Hearing aids and batteries
Entertainment – games and books
Important family documents
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container or a bank safety deposit box: Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
Passport, social insurance cards, health card, immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers and companies
Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Current photos of family members in case you are separated in an emergency