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:
- Food (ready to eat) and water
- Flashlight and batteries
- AM/FM radio
- Medications
- Seasonal clothing
- Blanket
- Cell phone charger
- Pen and notepad
- Personal toiletries
- Small first-aid kit
- Extra pair of glasses or contacts
- Cash in small bills
- Local map with your family meeting place identified
- Whistle
Download the Chilliwack Fire Department’s Grab and Go Bag checklist here.