How to make an emergency kit
In the event of an emergency or disaster, roads may be closed, and emergency services stretched beyond capacity. It is important you and your family are able to be self-sustaining for up to two (2) weeks.
By pulling together some basic supplies — many of which may already be in your home — you can make a home emergency kit quickly and easily.
Tips for making your home emergency kit
Your emergency kit should contain the items listed below:
- Copy of your emergency plan and important documents (e.g., insurance policy, passport, BC Services Card)
- Non-perishable food (e.g., canned goods, energy bars, dried foods) with a manual can opener
- Water, four litres per person per day, preferably in small, easy-to-carry bottles
- Phone charger, power bank or inverter
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and flashlight
- First aid kit and medications
- Personal toiletries
- Seasonal clothing, sturdy footwear and emergency blanket
- Dust mask to filter air
- Whistle to signal for help
- Extra batteries
- Extra keys to your home and vehicle
- Cash in small bills
- Comfort items (e.g., book, playing cards, small stuffy)
- Supplies for your pet (e.g., food, water, leash, vet records)
Make sure to also include items that meet your specific needs (e.g., reading glasses. baby formula). Store your emergency kit in a secure, dry and easy to access location, such as a closet.
Other emergency kits you will need
If you need to leave your home after a disaster, you will need a grab-and-go bag, which is a smaller version of a home emergency kit with supplies for a minimum of one day (24 hours). Everyone in your household, including pets, should have their own grab-and-go bag that includes the following items:
- Copy of your emergency plan and important documents
- Non-perishable food for 1 day
- Bottled water
- Phone charger and power bank
- Flashlight, radio and extra batteries
- Small first-aid kit
- Seasonal clothing, sturdy footwear and emergency blanket
- Personal toiletries
- Whistle
- Pen and notepad
- Cash in small bills
Make sure to include items specific to every household member’s needs, such as items to pass the time. Store your grab-and-go bags in a secure, dry and easy to get to location, such as under beds.
You may be in your vehicle during an emergency, so make sure you have supplies to sustain you and keep you comfortable. When putting together emergency supplies, consider what you can comfortably carry, as you may have to leave your vehicle and walk to a safe location. The following items will fit in a backpack:
- Non-perishable food and water
- Supplies for your comfort: rain gear, blankets, hand and foot warmers, and first aid kit
- Supplies for your safety: flashlight and batteries, whistle, cell phone charger, warning lights, and flares
- Supplies for your vehicle: rags and paper towels, ice scraper and brush, shovel, and booster cables
The following items should be kept in a backpack you can keep at work:
- Food and water: at least 4L of bottled water and ready-to-eat food
- Supplies for your safety and comfort: whistle, hard hat, dust mask, flashlight, seasonal change of clothes, sturdy shoes, work gloves, cash in small bills
- Communications: cell phone and charger, AM/FM radio (windup or battery operated), out-of-area contact card
- Health and hygiene: personal toiletries such as tissues, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, medications
Pets are an important part of the family and will rely on you during an emergency. Make sure your emergency kit includes supplies for your pet(s). Each pet should also have their own grab-and-go bag. Include items such as:
- Food, ideally in cans, and water
- Non-spill food and water bowls
- Collar, leash, harness, pet restraint and muzzle
- Pet first aid kit
- Vaccination records, medication, and your vet’s contact information
- Photo of your pet
- Cage, carrier, or kennel
- Paper towels, disinfectant, and pet waste bags
- Blankets, toys, and treats
Take a closer look
Use the resources listed below to make your emergency kits: