Emergency Kit (for 72 Hours)
Food and Water
Have three days' supply of water (four litres per person per day, or 12 litres total per person) and non-perishable food. Select foods that do not require refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and need little to no water like:
- canned meat, fruit and vegetables
- peanut butter
- granola bars, trail mix and cookies
- coffee and tea
Also, include a manual can opener, pocket knife, paper plates, cups and utensils.
If you have pets, also include supplies for them in the emergency kit.
Safety Items
- first aid kit
- battery or wind-up radio and flashlight
- extra batteries
- whistle
- candles and matches or a lighter
- cash in small bills
Personal items
- seasonal clothing and sturdy footwear
- blankets or sleeping bags
- soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, wet wipes and personal hygiene products
- medications, toothbrush and tooth paste
- copies of important documents
Place these items in a suitcase or large, wheeled plastic tubs. Check food expiry dates and mark on your calendar when they need to be replaced, including the water, which should be every three to six months.
Grab and Go Bag
Have a small version of your emergency kit ready to grab if you need to leave your location quickly:
- ready to eat food and water
- personal toiletries, medication and extra glasses
- whistle
- first aid kit
- radio and flashlight with extra batteries
- phone charger and battery bank
- blanket and seasonal clothing
- cash in small bills
- emergency plan
For an emergency plan, include the contact information for family or friends who live in a different city or town; this will allow everyone to check in with them if you cannot contact each other.
To learn more, watch Prepared BC's video on building an emergency kit and grab and go bags.
