Essential Items for your Emergency Kit
Emergency preparedness is essential, especially when you live in a location with a diverse range of extreme weather conditions and natural disasters. In Canada, creating an emergency kit is important in ensuring the safety and well-being of yourself and your family when disaster strikes. The Government of Canada offers valuable guidance on assembling a basic emergency kit, and we’ve created a guide that lists the essential items Canadians should have in their emergency preparedness kit.
When assembling your emergency kit, consider your household’s specific needs, the potential duration of an emergency, and any unique circumstances within your living environment. The following checklist serves as a comprehensive guide to help Canadians be well-prepared for a variety of situations.
Basic Emergency Kit Checklist:
- Water: Ensure you have two litres of water per person per day, including small bottles, to provide hydration and for other essential needs. It’s recommended that water supplies be replaced annually to maintain freshness.
- Food: Include non-perishable items such as canned food, energy bars, and dried foods in your emergency kit. Remember to replace these items once a year to ensure their suitability for consumption during an emergency.
- Manual Can Opener: A simple yet essential tool for accessing canned foods without electricity.
- Light and Communication: Pack a wind-up or battery-powered flashlight and an ample supply of extra batteries. Similarly, include a wind-up or battery-powered radio with additional batteries to stay informed about the latest developments. These items are indispensable for maintaining visibility and receiving important updates during emergencies.
- First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is vital for addressing any injuries or medical needs that may arise during an emergency. Be sure to review and replenish the kit’s contents as necessary.
- Extra Keys: Keep spare keys for your car and house within your emergency kit.
- Financial Resources: Include cash, traveller’s cheques, and change, as well as important family documents such as identification, insurance documents, and bank records.
- Emergency Plan: Include a copy of your family’s emergency plan in the kit and contact information for essential contacts.
What Else Your Emergency Kit Should Include:
In addition to these primary items, consider the following additional supplies for further readiness:
- Additional water for cooking and cleaning purposes
- Candles, matches, or lighters placed in sturdy containers
- Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
- Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and garbage bags
- Prepaid phone card or mobile phone charger
- Pet food and supplies
- Infant formula, baby food, and necessary baby supplies
- Activities for children, such as books, puzzles, or toys
- Prescription medications and essential medical equipment
- Utensils, plates, and cups
- Household chlorine bleach or water-purifying tablets
- Basic tools, such as a hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, and a pocket knife
- Small fuel-operated stove and fuel
- Whistle to attract attention
- Duct tape
Emergency kits can also be purchased from several sources, including online retailers and stores nationwide.
By compiling these essential items into an emergency preparedness kit, Canadians can proactively prepare for unexpected events and promote the safety and resilience of their households. Regularly reviewing and updating your emergency kit in accordance with the guidelines provided by reputable sources will help ensure that you are well-prepared for any potential emergencies.
