Did you know?
It’s Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week)! This year marks its 31st year, reminding Canadians that being prepared starts with understanding the risks around us. Taking the initiative to ensure you’re prepared to protect yourself and your family during an emergency includes having a basic emergency kit readily available. In addition, Public Safety Canada has information on what to include in an emergency kit at www.getprepared.gc.ca.
Build a 72-hour emergency kit
In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. As well, you may need to get by without power or tap water; be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours (3 days). Furthermore, make sure your kit is easy to carry, and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep your kit in backpacks, duffle bags or even suitcases/bags with wheels, in an easy-to-reach and accessible place.
Basic emergency kit
- Headlamps
- First Aid Kit
- Manual can-opener
- Garbage Bags and Duct Tape
- Ziploc Bags (to keep things dry)
- Mobile phone charger and power bank
- Extra keys to your vehicle(s) and house
- Tissue paper, toilet paper and paper towels
- Copy of your emergency plan and contact information
- Wind-up or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
- Wind-up or battery-powered flashlights (and extra batteries)
- Cash in smaller bills and coins for payphones if they exist within your community
- Non-perishable food, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (Replace once a year)
- Stored or bottled water: two litres per person per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order; include water purification tablets
- Special items such as prescription medications, equipment for people with disabilities, food, water, and medication for your pets or service animal (personalize your kit according to your needs)
Recommended additional items
- Utensils
- Toiletries
- Local maps
- Garbage bags
- Pet supplies etc.
- Plastic sheeting or tarps
- N95 masks or surgical masks
- Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
- Comfort Items (Varies as per individual)
- A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
- PPE such as disposable gloves and medical masks
- Any other items specific to your household’s needs
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
- Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
- Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution (if applicable)
- Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning
- Items for babies and small children, such as diapers, formula, bottles, baby food, etc.
- Small fuel-driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturer’s directions and store properly)
- Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust mask, pocket knife)
- Candles and waterproof matches or lights stored safely (Place candles in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)
Extra supplies for evacuation
- Sleeping bags or blankets
- Lightweight plates, cups and utensils
- Pens or pencils in a small paper/notepad
- Seasonal clothes, shoes, and accessories, such as hats, gloves, boots, etc.
- Survival multitool that includes a screwdriver, pocket, knife, and other basic tools
- Items for babies and small children, such as diapers, formula, bottles, baby food, etc.
- Playing cards, travel games, and other small activities for children, like books, puzzles or toys, etc.
- Tips
- Not every household has the means to secure and store all of these items listed above. You may have to connect with other family members, friends, and neighbours to see how you can support each other.
- Note: Check your kit twice a year to ensure contents are up to date, and check food items for expiration dates. Re-stock as needed.
Stay informed
- Staying informed during an emergency is crucial for your personal safety and effective response.
- Staying informed involves staying updated on local alerts, following official sources for information, and maintaining a communication plan.
- During an emergency, it’s important to stay tuned to all local media platforms. A portable, battery-operated or crank radio in your emergency kit in case of power outages is of great value.
- Keep your cellphone or mobile device fully charged.
- If using a generator, keep it outside to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) exposure.
- Alert Ready in Ontario is part of a national service designed to deliver critical and potentially life-saving emergency alert messages; check your phone’s compatibility.
- Learn more about your local area hazards, so you can have better knowledge, which will help you prepare for them.
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
