Emergency kit

Unexpected situations happen everyday. Having supplies is one thing you can do to help manage many situations.

There are many ways you and your family can become more prepared. You can build emergency kits to help you 'grab and go'. You can make sure you have enough supplies at home in case you have to take shelter for an extended period. In either case, your goal will be to have enough supplies to keep you and your family safe, warm and comfortable.

Below you will find emergency preparedness lists to help you and your family become more prepared. The items below will not apply to every situation or every person. You should personalize your kit supplies for your particular situation and needs.

Emergency supplies

Table 1. Supplies for emergency kits and sheltering at home

	Sheltering at home (minimum 14 days)	Emergency kit (minimum 72 hours)
Food	Canned goods like beans, soup and pasta Dry pasta, beans, rice or other grains Frozen foods such as fruit, vegetables, meat and meat alternatives	Snacks like granola or energy bars, dried fruit or trail mix
Water and liquids (4 litres, per person, per day)	Minimum 72 hour supply of water and electrolytes
Medical supplies	Adequate supply of any prescription drugs, such as heart medication, insulin for people with diabetes and inhalers for people with asthma Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, cold medications, digestive aids and anti-nausea Essential medical equipment with backup power
Critical records	Have a copy of all personal documents in a protective, sealable bag Include identification, birth certificates, Social Insurance Numbers, critical medical records and prescriptions
First aid kit	Gauze, bandages, tape and antibacterial ointment Antiseptic wipes and protective gloves
Sanitation supplies	Hand Sanitizer and wipes Soaps and household cleaning supplies Personal and feminine hygiene products Trash bags Tissues, toilet paper and paper towels	Portable cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer and trash bags
Other items	Enough emergency cash to cover up to 2 weeks of incidental expenses, if possible Battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight, candles and matches or a lighter Vitamins and supplements Space heaters and extra blankets Essential tools like a can opener or a multi-tool Extra batteries for household items and medical equipment Entertainment, such as board games, movies, podcasts and books	Enough emergency cash to cover up to 72 hours of incidental expenses, if possible A multi-tool Books and portable toys and games Electronics with a vehicle charger Extra blankets Battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight, candles and matches or a lighter

You can also buy prepackaged basic kits, including car kits. Pre-purchased kits will need to be personalized for your specific situation.