Why you need an emergency kit
You can stay safe during a power outage, flood, or evacuation by packing a household emergency kit. Having supplies ready means you and your family can take care of yourselves while waiting for help.
What to put in your kit
You should pack enough supplies for each person in your household to last at least three days. Include the following items:
- Water and food: Four litres of drinking water per person for each day. Pack non-perishable food that does not need cooking, such as canned goods, dried snacks, and energy bars. Check the dates on everything and swap out old items before they expire.
- First aid supplies: Bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, and over-the-counter pain medicine. If you have a small cooler or space, add instant ice packs and a thermal blanket.
- Personal and hygiene items: Wet wipes, toilet paper, garbage bags, feminine products, and hand sanitizer.
- Tools and equipment: A manual can opener, a flashlight, a wind-up or battery-powered radio, extra batteries, phone chargers, a portable battery bank, matches or a lighter, a whistle, and basic cooking utensils. Keep some cash on hand in case electronic payment machines are down.
- Clothing and warmth: Warm clothes and a blanket or sleeping bag for each person.
- Important papers: A printed list of emergency contact numbers and copies of important papers like passports, insurance policies, and identification.
- Special needs: Any prescription medicines, baby supplies like diapers and formula, and pet food and leashes. Add comfort items for children, such as cards, games, or a favourite stuffed animal.
How to store your kit
Keep your supplies in a waterproof backpack, bin, or wheeled suitcase so you can grab them easily. Choose a spot in your home where everyone knows where to go if you need to leave. Make sure the container is light enough for you to carry.
How to maintain your kit
Look through your supplies once a year. Replace expired food, water, medicines, and batteries. Update your kit every year as your family's needs change. For example, add items for a new baby, a new pet, or a change in medication.
Vehicle emergency kit
Emergencies can happen while you are driving. Keep a separate kit in your car in case you get stuck or stranded. Pack warm clothes, a blanket, snacks, water, a flashlight, a phone charger, a first aid kit, and a warning triangle or flares.
Next steps
Building a kit is just the first step. Make a clear plan for your family so you know what to do, where to go, and who to call. If you need help writing your plan or want to learn more about local warnings, visit our emergency preparedness guides.
You can also find this information online.
Contact
For more information about emergency planning, call 311 or visit your nearest community centre.