IS YOUR FAMILY PREPARED?
For a major emergency – like a blackout or severe storm, flood waters or an earthquake – you need to be prepared. Ready for at least 72 hours while emergency workers help those in urgent need.

START TODAY. PREPARE YOUR EMERGENCY KIT

Prepare a kit

In an emergency you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. You should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Not sure what to put in your kit? Find out what you and your family will need to get through 72 hours.

Basic kit

Car kit

Where to buy a kit

Basic kit

You may have some of these items already, such as a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food, water and blankets. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find. Would you be able to find your flashlight in the dark?

Make sure your kit is easy to carry. Keep it in a backpack, duffel bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front hall closet. Make sure everyone in the household knows where to find the emergency kit.

Print this page or download the PDF version. Check off the items as you accumulate them.

Basic items you will need to survive for 72 hours:

Water – at least two litres of water per person per day (Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order)

Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year)

Manual can opener

Flashlight and batteries

Candles and matches or lighter (remember to place candles in sturdy containers and to put them out before going to sleep)

Battery-powered or wind-up radio (and extra batteries)

First aid kit

Special items such as prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities

Extra keys for your car and house

Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travellers cheques are also useful) and change for payphones

A copy of your emergency plan including contact information

Recommended additional kit supplies

It is always a good idea to have extra supplies on hand. Here are some recommendations:

A change of clothing and footwear for each household member

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member

A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)

Garbage bags for personal sanitation

Toilet paper and other personal care supplies

Safety gloves

Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, fasteners, work gloves)

Small fuel-driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturer’s directions and store properly)

Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning

Car kit

If you have a car, prepare a small kit and keep it in the trunk. Print this page or download the PDF version. Check off the items as you accumulate them.

The basic car kit should include the following items:

Food that won’t spoil, such as energy bars

Water

Blanket

Extra clothing and shoes

Candle in a deep can and matches

First aid kit with seatbelt cutter

Warning light or road flares

Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush

List of contact numbers

Recommended additional kit supplies

It is always a good idea to have extra supplies on hand. Here are some recommendations:

Sand, salt or cat litter

Antifreeze/ windshield washer fluid

Tow rope, jumper cables

Fire extinguisher

Roadmaps, whistle and flashlight

Safety tip: Learn about first aid. You could save a life.

Along with making emergency plans and preparing an emergency kit, knowing first aid could save a life. Contact your local Canadian Red Cross or St. John Ambulance to find out about first aid courses offered in your area.

 

Where to buy a kit

 

You can buy a Canadian Red Cross kit at www.redcross.ca.

St. John Ambulance and Salvation Army have also jointly prepared a kit, which can be purchased from the following retailers:

Zellers

Home Outfitters

Rexall

Pharma Plus

Canadian Tire

London Drugs

True Value Hardware

Home Hardware

V&S

Country Depot

Overwaitea Foods

Save-On-Foods

IGA

MarketPlace IGA

Thrifty Foods

Buy-Low Foods

Nesters Market

G&H Shop ’N Save

Value Drug Mart

Apple Drugs

Rxellence Professional Dispensary

Quality Foods

TSC Stores

Jean Coutu

Ace Hardware

Pro Hardware

 

 

 

Hartson Dowd

hsdowd@telus.net