Unexpected situations happen every day. Having supplies is one thing you can do to help your household better manage disruptions whether they are big or small.
Why Should You Have An Emergency Kit?
Having an emergency kit is one step to being more prepared. Reasons for an emergency kit:
– What equipment would you need to keep you connected and informed?
– What if you had to evacuate immediately? What would be important for you to bring?
– Build a “Grab and Go” bag if you need to evacuate or keep at home if you need to shelter in place.
Make sure it includes items to keep you safe, warm and comfortable for at least 72 hours (3 days). This will help provide you with some peace of mind in unexpected situations.
What Goes In Your Emergency Kit?
Start building your emergency kit with these basic supplies:
| | Sheltering at home
(minimum 14 days) | Emergency kit
(minimum 72 hours) |
|---|
| Food |
- Canned goods like beans, soup and pasta
- Dry pasta, beans, rice or other grains
- Frozen foods such as fruit, vegetables, meat and meat alternatives
|
- Snacks like granola or energy bars, dried fruit or trail mix
|
|---|
| Water and liquids (4 litres, per person, per day) |
- Minimum 72 hour supply of water and electrolytes
|
|---|
| Medical supplies |
- Adequate supply of any prescription drugs, such as heart medication, insulin for people with diabetes and inhalers for people with asthma
- Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, cold medications, digestive aids and anti-nausea
- Essential medical equipment with backup power
- Back-up pair of glasses and/or extra contact lenses and solution
|
|---|
| Critical records |
- Have a copy of all personal documents in a protective, sealable bag
- Include identification, birth certificates, passports, citizenship papers, Social Insurance Numbers, emergency contact list, critical medical records and prescriptions
|
|---|
| First aid kit |
- Gauze, bandages, tape and antibacterial ointment
- Antiseptic wipes and protective gloves
|
|---|
| Sanitation supplies |
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Non-medical masks
- Soaps and household cleaning supplies
- Personal hygiene products
- Trash bags
- Tissues, toilet paper and paper towels
|
- Portable cleaning wipes, non-medical masks, hand sanitizer and trash bags
|
|---|
| Other items |
- Enough emergency cash to cover up to 2 weeks of incidental expenses, if possible
- Battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight, candles and matches or a lighter
- Vitamins and supplements
- Space heaters and extra blankets
- Essential tools like a can opener or a multi-tool
- Extra batteries for household items and medical equipment
- Entertainment, such as board games, movies, podcasts and books
|
- Enough emergency cash to cover up to 72 hours of incidental expenses, if possible
- A multi-tool
- Books and portable toys and games
- Electronics with a vehicle charger
- Extra blankets
- Battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight, candles and matches or a lighter
|
|---|
Keep in mind to build your kit slowly. Write down the contents of each kit and keep it in a safe place to review on a regular basis. Click HERE for an more detailed emergency kit checklist.
You can also buy prepackaged basic kits, including vehicle and pet kits. Pre-purchased kits will need to be personalized for your specific needs. Click HERE for more information.
You can find help on how to build your kit at Build an emergency kit | Alberta.ca
