Emergency Kits

During an emergency, you may need to get by without power or tap water. You will also need some basic supplies. Plan to be on your own for a minimum of three days.

Make sure your emergency kit includes the following:

Water – a three-day supply of water. (minimum 1 litre per person or pet a day, ideally 4 litres a day); water purification tablets

For more information about water in an emergency, visit PreparedBC’s website.

Food – Set aside food that won’t spoil – things like canned food, energy bars and dried fruits. Replace before they expire and remember a can opener!
Flashlight and radio – Wind-up radios and flashlights are essential.
First aid kit – Make your own or buy one.
Special items – Include prescription medications, infant formula, pet food and equipment for people with disabilities.
Whistle – To signal for help.
Blankets – Sleeping bags or Mylar blankets are also great to keep you warm.
Other essential items – Cash in smaller bills, coins and toiletries.
Emergency contact information – List of phone contacts in an emergency.

Once you have assembled your supplies, build your family emergency plan.

Loved Ones and Pets

Children depend on us all the time, but will do so even more in an emergency. Do you have familiar items, toys, food and snacks to help make a scary situation less chaotic?
Children and older adults may have special needs. Make sure your emergency kit is equipped with any medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities you may need.
Don’t forget the four-legged members of your family! Make sure you have pet food and any other necessary items for your pet in your emergency kit.

Storing Supplies

Using a wheeled suitcase or sports bag helps you to move your kit. If you store your kit outside or in a shed, use a waterproof container.
Keep the kit away from household chemicals and mechanical rooms.
Make sure your kit is handy and make a habit of accessing it.
Store medications, cash and important documents in an external pouch or sealable bag so you can quickly and easily get to them.
Replace items with a shelf life to keep your kit current.

Grab and Go Bags

Don’t assume you’ll be home – or able to remain at home – when an emergency happens. In addition to having one at home, create grab-and-go bags for each member of your family, including infants and pets, as well as grab and go bags for your work and vehicle that contain: