Emergency Kits

It is important to make sure you have emergency kits readily available and supplies in your home to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Check your kits regularly and make sure everyone in your house knows where to find them.

 72-Hour Survival Kit

Food and water

  • 3-5 gallons of water (4L per adult, per day)
  • Canned or freeze dried food
  • One manual can opener
  • Instant drink or juices
  • Water purifying tablets

Warmth and shelter

  • Tent/trailer or other shelter
  • Wool blend blanket or sleeping bags
  • Emergency reflective blanket
  • Lightweight stove and fuel/camp stove (to be used outdoors only)
  • Hand and body warm packs
  • Poncho (a large garbage bag can make a great rain poncho)

Tools and equipment

  • Pocket knife
  • Flashlight, lantern or candles (including windproof/waterproof matches)
  • Shovel, hatchet or axe
  • Sewing kit
  • Nylon rope and duct tape
  • Cooking utensils
  • Radio and batteries or crank radio
  • First aid kit
  • Pen/pencil and writing pad
  • Whistle to make noise with
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Water resistant duffel bag or tote in which to store everything

Special items

Keep copies of important documents and family records in a waterproof, fireproof, portable container.

  • Passports
  • Copies of health cards, driver's licences and birth certificates
  • Bank account and credit card info, a small amount of cash
  • Photos of family members in case you are separated in an emergency
  • Games and toys for kids
  • Extra keys for house and car
  • Cell phone battery charger and car adapter – keep your cell phone charged!
  • Insurance policy information
 Car Survival Kit
  • Shovel
  • Sand or kitty litter
  • Traction mats
  • Tow chain
  • Compass
  • Cloth or roll of toilet paper
  • Warning light or road flares
  • Extra clothing and footwear
  • Emergency food pack
  • Booster cables
  • Ice scraper and brush
  • Matches and "survival" candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat drink or use as emergency light)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Extra windshield washer fluid
  • Fuel line antifreeze
  • Road maps
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Duct tape
  • Blankets (special "survival" blankets are best)
 Pet Emergency Kit
  •  72-hour supply of food
  • Bowls
  • Can opener
  • 72-hour supply of bottled water
  • Blankets/towels (more than one in case they get soiled)
  • Small toy
  • Leash, muzzle, harness
  • Litter pan, litter, plastic bags and scooper
  • Pet carrier for transportation
  • Medical records, especially proof of vaccinations (most boarding facilities will not accept pets without proof of current vaccination records)
  • Medications and pet first aid kit
  • Current photo of pet in case it gets lost
  • Information on your pet's feeding schedule, behavioural or medical concerns and special instructions, in case you have to board your pet
  • List of boarding facilities in your area, hotels/motels that accept pets, and friends and relatives that you and your pet can stay with (pets are generally not allowed inside emergency shelters designated for people, with the exception of service animals such as guide dogs)
  • ID tag (micro-chipping is also recommended)