Basic Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Emergency Preparedness Kits should be built with your family’s needs and preferences in mind.

They should be designed to sustain your family for at least 72 hours with no power, electricity, or heat. Emergency Kits should be checked every six months and replenished as needed.  Change your clocks, check your stocks! 

□  Water – two litres of water per person or pet per day

□  Food – that will not spoil, such as canned food; energy bars and dried foods that your family will eat

□  Manual can opener

□  Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight and radio with extra batteries (if applicable)

□  First Aid Kit  (consider taking a CPR/First Aid course)

□  Extra keys (for your car and house)

□  Cash and change with mixed denominations

□  Important family documents such as identification, insurance, and bank records

□  Emergency Plan include a copy in your kit

□  Candles and matches or lighter

□  Change of clothing and footwear for each household member

□  Toiletries and personal hygiene items

□  Hand sanitizer, toilet paper and garbage bags

□  Mobile phone charger and battery bank

□  Utensils, plates and cups

□  Unscented bleach (for cleaning and water purification)

□  Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, pocketknife)

□  Whistle (to attract attention)

□  Duct tape

Additional Considerations

□ Pet Emergency Kit (see our Disaster Preparedness for Pets page for more information)

□ Infant formula, baby food and supplies

□ Activities for children, like books, puzzles or toys

□ Prescription medications, medical equipment

Winter Considerations

During winter, emergencies can be more dangerous due to cold temperatures, snow, ice, and limited daylight. Consider adding the following items and precautions to your emergency preparedness kit:

□ Extra warm clothing for each household member, including hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal layers

□ Heavy blankets or sleeping bags rated for cold temperatures

□ Winter boots or insulated footwear

□ Ice scraper and small shovel for clearing snow around vehicles or walkways

□ Sand, salt, or kitty litter for traction on icy surfaces

□ Battery-powered or hand-crank heater (follow safety guidelines)

□ Extra fuel for heating, if safe and appropriate for your situation

□ Snow shovel and/or snow removal tools for clearing paths to your home

□ Emergency windshield washer fluid and antifreeze for your vehicle

□ Winter emergency kit in your car, including blankets, food, water, and a flashlight

□ Extra batteries for devices, as cold weather can drain batteries more quickly

□ Consider keeping a supply of non-perishable hot drinks (tea, cocoa)

Tips:

• Keep your mobile devices and battery banks insulated from extreme cold.
• Avoid travel during severe winter storms unless absolutely necessary.
• Ensure pets have warm shelter, water, and food in case of power outages.

Specific Disaster Related Items 

Every disaster has additional recommendations for an emergency preparedness kit, an example being additional blankets, warm clothes, and winter coats during a Winter Storm.  These specific disaster related recommendations will be included in risk specific pages.  Utlimately, the emergency preparedness kit should reflect you and your family's needs and this is the mimumum amount of items that should be considered for emergency preparedness.