In the event of a emergency or disaster, roads may be closed, and emergency services stretched beyond capacity. It’s important that you and your family are able to go at least 72 hours without outside assistance.
By pulling some basic supplies together — many of which may already be in your home — you can make a family emergency kit, quickly and easily.
Quick tips for making your family emergency kit
Your basic family emergency kit should contain these items:
- Food that doesn't spoil, such as canned goods, energy bars, or dried foods
- 4L of water per person per day, preferably in small, easy-to-carry bottles
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and radio (battery powered or hand cranked)
- Manual can opener
- Cash (small bills)
- Prescription medication, baby formula
- Your emergency plan and contact information
- Extra keys to your home and car
- Food and water for your pets
Other emergency kits you’ll need
In addition to the family emergency kit, you should consider making these additional kits:
- "Grab and go" bag — If you have to immediately leave your home after a disaster you need a Grab-n-go bag to see you through the next 12-24 hours
- Vehicle emergency kit — When an emergency happens you may be in your car and not able to return home, so you need to have supplies to help sustain you and keep you comfortable
- Workplace emergency kit — Being safe at work will help ensure you can return home to help your family during an emergency
- Pet emergency kit — If you need to evacuate, you should take your pets with you, so make sure you're prepared to care for them
Are you ready to make your emergency kits?
Visit these online resources to get started
- How to create a household emergency kit
- How to create a grab-and-go kit
- How to create a pet kit
- Work emergency kit checklist
- Vehicle emergency kit checklist
Additional online resources
- Use the Government of Canada's automated emergency kit checklist
- Get more information from the PreparedBC
- Video: How to make a grab-and-go bag
