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

You may have some of the items already, such as food, water and a battery-operated or crank flashlight. 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 and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front-hall closet. If you have many people in your household, your emergency kit could get heavy. It's a good idea to separate some of these supplies in backpacks. That way, your kit will be more portable, and each person can personalize his or her own grab-and-go emergency kit.

Emergency Kit:

• Snacks like granola or energy bars, dried fruit, or trail mix
• Minimum of 72-hour supply of water and electrolytes (minimum of 2 litres per person per day)
• Adequate supply of any prescription drugs, such as heart medication, insulin for diabetics and inhalers for asthmatics.
• Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, cold suppressants, digestive aids, and anti-nauseant
• Essential medical equipment with back up power. (Batteries)
• Back up pair of glasses and/or extra contact lenses and solution.
• Have a copy of all personal documents in a protective, sealable bag.
• Include identification, birth certificates, passports, citizenship papers, Social Insurance Numbers, emergency contact list, critical medical records, and prescriptions.
• First aid essentials – Band-aids, tape, antibacterial ointment, antiseptic wipes, and protective gloves
• Portable cleaning wipes, nonmedical masks, hand sanitizer and trash bags
• Enough emergency cash to cover up to 72 hours of incidental expenses, if possible
• A multi-tool or small tool kit
• Books and portable toys and games
• Electronics with a vehicle charger
• Manual can opener
• Extra blankets
• Battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight
• Candles, matches or a lighter (place candles in deep, sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)
• Extra batteries

Recommended additional items

• Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning
• Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
• Toiletries
• Hand sanitizer
• Utensils
• Garbage bags
• Toilet paper
• Water purifying tablets
• A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
• Duct tape (to tape up windows, doors, air vents, etc.)

If you think your water is contaminated, check with your municipality or local authorities for details. When in doubt, do not drink water you suspect may be contaminated.

Keep some cash on hand, as automated bank machines and their networks may not work during an emergency. You may have difficulty using debit or credit cards.

Keep a corded phone in your home, as most cordless phones will not work during a power outage.

• Build an Emergency Kit
• Make an Emergency Plan