Build your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit
Build a 72-hour kit
During an emergency, you may need to stay in your home without electricity or water, or evacuate your home for a period of time. Having emergency supplies on hand can help keep you and your household safe.
What to include in your emergency kit
Food and water:
- Four litres per person, per day
- Food that requires little or no preparation and won’t spoil, such as canned food, dried food, energy bars, etc.
- Check expiry dates regularly and replace items as needed
First aid kit:
- Gloves, gauze and bandages
- Antiseptic
- Scissors and tweezers
- Non-prescription medications (e.g. pain relievers)
- Instant ice packs
- A survival blanket (if space allows)
Toiletries and personal sanitation items:
- Wipes and towelettes
- Garbage bags
- Toilet paper
- Feminine supplies
- Hand sanitizer
Equipment and other supplies:
- Manual can opener (if your kit contains canned food)
- Flashlight
- Wind-up or battery-powered radio
- Extra batteries
- Phone chargers and a portable battery pack
- Matches or lighter
- Whistle (to signal for help/attract attention)
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Cash (in case debit and credit card machines are down due to a power outage)
72-hour kit checklist
Print our checklist to help ensure you have everything you need.
Clothing and blankets:
- Warm clothes
- Blankets or sleeping bags
Important documents:
- A list of your emergency contacts (names and contact numbers)
- Copies of important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies
Special need items (if applicable):
- Prescription medications
- Infant needs (diapers, formula, bottles, etc)
- Pet needs (food, leash, medication, carrier, etc)
- Comfort or entertainment items for children (e.g. cards, games, activity books, stuffed animals, etc.)
How do I store my kit?
- Use a waterproof container, backpack or wheeled suitcase to store your emergency supplies
- Ensure your kit is portable in case you need to evacuate quickly
- Keep your kit in an accessible location that everyone in your household knows about
How do I maintain my kit?
- Check your kit at least once a year and replace expired food, water and medications as needed
- Check and replace batteries as needed
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change
Build your emergency kit
Emergency Action Plan
Along with a 72 hour kit, you should also put together an Emergency Action Plan. It will ensure that you and your family members know what to do and who to call.