Emergency Kits

What will your family need for 72 hours in an emergency?

In the event of an emergency, responders may be busy assisting those in immediate danger. A 72-hour emergency survival kit holds supplies to support you and your family for at least 3 days in an emergency. Residents should be prepared to cope without electricity, heat and water or an evacuation.

Set your clocks, check your stocks

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1. When you set your clocks, check the stocks in your emergency kit and change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Replace any items in your kit that are expired or missing, and update important contact and medical information.

The following items should be included in your basic emergency kit and packed in an easy to carry bag/tote:

  • Flashlight and batteries 
  • Radio and batteries or crank radio 
  • Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
  • First-aid kit 
  • Telephone that can work during a power disruption 
  • Candles and matches/lighter 
  • Extra car keys and cash 
  • Important papers (identification) 
  • Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat items that do not require refrigeration) 
  • Manual can opener 
  • Bottled water (2 litres per person per day) 
  • Clothing and footwear 
  • Blankets or sleeping bag 
  • Toilet paper and other personal items 
  • Medication 
  • Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)

Additional Information

It is very important to customize your emergency survival kit to ensure that everyone in your family has all the essentials to be comfortable. This includes anyone with special needs, babies and toddlers, seniors and pets.

Car Kit

  • Shovel
  • Sand, salt or kitty litter for traction
  • Traction mats
  • Tow chain or rope
  • Compass
  • Cloth or roll of paper towels
  • Warning light or road flares
  • Extra clothing and footwear
  • Non-perishable food and water
  • Axe or hatchet
  • Small tool kit
  • Booster cables
  • Ice scraper and brush
  • Road maps
  • Matches and a “survival” candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Methyl hydrate (for fuel line and windshield de-icing)
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • First-aid kit with seatbelt cutter
  • Blanket 

Pet Kit

  • Carrier or cage big enough for the pet to stand, stretch and turn around and room for food and water 
  • Proof of vaccinations 
  • Plastic bags 
  • A five day supply of food and water 
  • Any necessary medications 
  • Any special dietary needs 
  • Bowls for food and water 
  • Cat litter pan and supplies
  • Collar and leash