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Before an Emergency

Emergency Supplies

Disasters can strike at anytime and anywhere so make sure that you have supplies stored at home, in your car and at school or work.  When organizing your emergency supplies don't forget about the special needs of your pets, young and elderly family members and those with disabilities.

Water

  • Minimum 2 litres of water per person per day (at least a three day supply)
  • Use plastic containers such as soft drink bottles
  • Do not use plastic milk jugs
  • Learn how to purify water in an emergency

Food

  • Store a minimum of 3 days supply of food
  • Choose non-perishable foods, that do not require refrigeration or cooking
  • Avoid junk food and foods with a high salt content
  • When adding to your food storage be sure to include necessary infant foods, pet foods and special dietary requirements needed by members of your family.

Basic Supplies

  • First aid kit
  • Essential medication
  • Eye glasses
  • Cane
  • Hearing aid with extra batteries
  • Sturdy shoes - include an old pair of sturdy shoes under the bed to protect your feet from broken glass
  • Change of clothes
  • Flashlight / Batteries
  • Portable AM/FM radio / Batteries
  • Candles
  • Waterproof Matches
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Knife (Swiss army knife)
  • Solar blankets
  • Money especially quarters for a pay phone
  • Whistle
  • Essential papers insurance papers, identification
  • Sanitation Supplies
  • Large plastic trash bags - for trash waste, water protection, ground cloth
  • Bar soap
  • Liquid detergent
  • Shampoo
  • Toothpaste & toothbrushes
  • Pre-moistened towelettes
  • Deodorant
  • Denture cleanser
  • Feminine supplies
  • Infant supplies
  • Toilet paper
  • Powdered chlorinate lime - add to sewage to deodorize, disinfect and keep away insects
  • Household bleach
  • Cooking Supplies
  • Barbeque - hibachi, camp stove
  • Fuel for cooking equipment - charcoal, lighter fluid, presto logs, fuel for camp stove, etc.
  • Plastic knives, forks, spoons
  • Paper plates and cups
  • Paper towels
  • Heavy duty aluminum foil

Tools

  • Crescent wrench - for turning off gas main
  • Ax
  • Shovel
  • Screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Hammer
  • Coil of 1/2" rope
  • Coil of baling wire
  • Plastic tape
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Pen and paper

Car Survival Kit

  • Sturdy shoes
  • Extra clothes (sweater/rain gear)
  • First aid kit
  • Essential medication
  • Water
  • Pre-moistened towelettes
  • Tissue paper
  • Flashlight / Batteries
  • Portable AM/FM radio / Batteries
  • Non-perishable food (granola bars)
  • Knife
  • Waterproof Matches / Candles
  • Solar Blanket
  • Whistle
  • Magnifying glass
  • Local map

Pets

  • Portable carrier or crate
  • Combination food & water dish
  • One weeks supply of canned or dry food
  • Water
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Kitty litter and box
  • Favourite treat or toy
  • Current colour photographs
  • Extra leashes
  • Health and vaccination records
  • Supply of regular medicines
  • Blanket, towels or pet bed
  • Clean-up materials

Infants

  • Diapers
  • Medications
  • Bottles & Formula

Storage
At home, keep the emergency supplies that you would most likely need during an evacuation in a grab n go kit stored in an easy to carry container such as a large covered trash container or plastic, sealable container, camping backpack, or an old duffle bag. Store it near an exit route or in a location that is accessible should you need to leave your home quickly.  Ensure all family members know where the emergency supplies are.
 
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how much extra medication you should have on hand and the proper procedure for storing.

Don't forget to check your batteries, test your fire extinguisher and rotate your food and water supplies.

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