You should be prepared to take care of yourself and those in your household – including pets – for at least 72 hours.
Build an emergency kit in advance so you can grab it at a moment’s notice, whether you need to evacuate or shelter in place. You should check your kit each season to make sure your supplies are fresh and address your current needs.
Printable resources
Emergency kit checklist
Tip: store all documents in a protective, sealable bag, and store all items in a waterproof container.
- Water: at least four litres per person per day
- Food that won’t spoil such as canned food, pasta, energy bars and dried food
- If packing canned food, make sure to pack a manual can opener
- Medical supplies such as over-the-counter and prescription medications, back-up pair of glasses or extra contact lenses and solution and essential medical equipment
- Important documents such as identification, birth certificates, health care cards, passports, prescription medication records, insurance policy, and banking information
- First aid kit with bandages, protective gloves and other supplies
- Change of clothing and shoes for each household member (seasonally appropriate)
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
- Mobile phone charger(s)
- Activities such as books, puzzles, cards and small toys
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
- Sanitation supplies such as wipes, masks, gloves, trash bags, hand sanitizer and toilet paper
- Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight with extra batteries
- Wind-up or battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Cash, if possible
- Emergency plan and contact list
- Candles and matches or lighter
- Basic tools
- Seasonal items such as sunscreen, bug spray and hats in the spring and summer, and warm-weather gear in fall and winter
Considerations for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- Prenatal vitamins, ointments and medications for parent and child
- Breastfeeding aids such as a breast pump and nursing bra
- Formula and bottles
- Extra water
- Diapers, wipes and extra clothes
Considerations for pets
Preparedness is different for every pet. The below list includes basic supplies; adapt the list to meet the needs of your pet(s).
- Pet license
- Collar, harness, leash and muzzle
- Important documents such as identification records, vaccination records, insurance information and prescription medication information
- Photo of you and your pet together to prove ownership
- Pet carrier or crate
- Supply of food and water with bowls
- Waste bags
- Blankets, towels and toys
Tip: store your pet items in the carrier or crate to make it easy to find and grab.
Considerations for farm animals and livestock
- Supply of feed and water that does not require power
- Important documents such as identification records, proof of ownership and sale records and list of prescription medication information
- Handling equipment such as ropes, cages, halters and fence cutters