Preparing an Emergency Survival Kit

Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time. Utilities can be out, roads-closed, and crucial supplies unavailable. While local, provincial and federal officials prepare for emergencies, individuals can plan to be prepared at home and at work.

With increased levels of fear and anxiety throughout Canada and the world, it makes sense to prepare for the unexpected. Everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for up to three days in the event of an emergency or disaster. For example, it could take that long to clear roads due to a severe winter storm.

The following are recommended guidelines to assist you in gathering items you should have on hand. Everyone in your family should know where these items are stored. Finally, if you are ever in an emergency situation, Don't Panic. People have survived three days without water and three weeks without food. Your home can take three hours or more to cool off completely in the winter.

Emergency Food and Water Kit
Special Needs
Survival Equipment Kit
Car Survival Equipment Kit

Download our Emergency Information Sheet to post in your home for friends, family and children.


Emergency Food and Water Kit

Have at least a three-day supply of food and water.
Choose ready-to-eat foods that don't need refrigeration. Also keep in mind that if the utilities are out and you have no alternative cooking source, you should select foods that won't require cooking.

Food Staples
canned food
soups, stews, baked beans
meat, poultry, fish
vegetables, fruit, pasta
crackers and biscuits
honey
peanut butter
syrup
jam
salt and pepper
sugar
instant coffee and tea
Replace canned and dry goods once a year.

Equipment
knives, forks, spoons
disposable cups and plates
manual can opener, bottle opener
fuel stove and fuel (follow manufacturer's instructions)
** Do NOT use barbecue indoors **
waterproof matches and plastic garbage bags
pocket knife or multi-tool

  • You should also have a three-day supply of water
  • At least four (4) litres per person per day
  • Two (2) for drinking and two (2) for food preparation, hygiene and dish washing.
    Keep a supply of water purification tablets as well.


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    Special Needs

    Think of any special needs your family might have and include any other items you would need.
    Here are some suggestions:

    Babies/Toddlers: diapers, bottled milk, formula and food, toys, crayons and paper.

    Other family members:one weeks supply of any required medications, extra eye glasses, batteries for medical appliances, extra oxygen cylinder (if required), copies of prescriptions.

    Pets: three-day supply of food and water.

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    Survival Equipment Kit

    • flashlight and batteries (in case the lights go out)
    • radio and batteries or crank radio (so you can listen to news bulletins)
    • spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
    • first-aid kit
    • candles and match / lighter
    • extra car keys and cash (including coins/cards for telephone)
    • important papers (identification for everyone, personal documents such as insurance papers)
    • food and bottled water
    • clothing and footwear (one change of cloths per person)
    • blankets or sleeping bags (one blanket or sleeping bag per person)
    • toilet paper and other personal supplies such as shampoo, hairbrush
    • tooth brush and toothpaste, soap and a tower and face cloth (one for each person)
    • medication
    • backpack / duffel bag (to carry the emergency survival kit in, in case you have to evacuate)
    • whistle (in case you need to attract someones attention)
    • playing cards, games
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    Car Survival Equipment Kit

    • Shovel
    • Sand, salt or kitty litter
    • Traction mats
    • Tow chain or strap
    • Compass
    • Cloth or roll of paper towels
    • Warning light or road flares
    • Extra clothing and footwear
    • Emergency food pack
    • Axe or hatchet
    • 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
    • First-aid kit with seatbelt cutter, blanket (special 'survival' blankets are best)
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    Originally printed in the Arnprior Chronicle-Guide Weekend News – December 23rd issue. Information provided by Emergency Management Ontario. Reproduced with permission. Arnprior Community Policing, Copyright 2005

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