During an emergency, you could lose important services, such as electricity, water, phones, and transit. You may need to stay in place or leave your home suddenly.
An emergency kit – filled with food, water, clothing, medicine, money, and other supplies – is an important part of being prepared for the unexpected. You will need enough supplies to help you, your household, and your pets cope without services for 72 hours or more.
What to put in an emergency kit
You can buy a pre-assembled emergency kit, or build your own. Use the lists below to help you put your emergency kits together.
Gradually add a few items each time you shop to reduce the burden on your budget and on suppliers.
Keep a grab-and-go bag or backpack for each person in your household in case you need to evacuate quickly. Store the bag near your front door where you can easily grab it on your way out. Replace any expired items like food, medicine, and batteries twice a year.
Sleeping bag or blanket
One set of all-season clothing
Bottled water
Snacks (enough to keep you going for 12 hours)
Whistle
Flashlight and batteries (or hand-crank light)
Radio and batteries (or hand-crank radio)
Extra batteries, phone charger and battery bank
Small first-aid kit and personal medications
Personal toiletries
Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
Photocopies of your emergency plan, identification, insurance papers, and other important documents
Cash in small bills
Pen and notepad
Sentimental or comforting items (for example photos, toy, etc)
In addition to your grab-and-go bag, a home kit will help you cope without services. Stock supplies for at least 72 hours and consider planning for one week. Keep items in a container or large bag in an accessible location. Replace any expired items like food and batteries twice a year.
Water (four litres per person per day)
Non-perishable food (dried, canned), or emergency food rations
Manual can opener
Spices and sweeteners (salt, pepper, honey, sugar)
Durable cups, bowls, plates, and cutlery
Tissues, toilet paper
Personal hygiene supplies (soap, toothpaste, diapers)
Staying in your home may be necessary if you fall ill and/or need to isolate to stop the spread of an infectious disease. Stock items you would need for the recommended self-isolation period.
