Basic emergency kit checklist

These are the emergency essentials you need in your emergency kit:

• Stored or bottled water: two litres per person per day for drinking, cooking and hygiene
• Non-perishable food, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace once a year)
• Manual can opener
• Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight
• Wind-up or battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries and battery packs
• First aid kit including adhesive bandages, tape, gauze, antiseptic wound cleanser, and disposable gloves
• Extra keys for your car and house
• Cash in smaller bills and coins
• Mobile phone charger and power bank
• Tissue paper, toilet paper and paper towels

Important documents

Physical and digital copies of important documents such as:

• Identification for each person (birth and marriage certificates, passports, citizenship papers)
• Emergency plan: include a copy in your kit, including contact information
• List of all medications, dosage and purpose of them
• Contact information for emergency service providers (e.g. doctors, health care, shelter supports, etc.)
• Medical insurance information and provincial/territorial health number
• Other insurance information (e.g. homeowners, renters, vehicle)
• Banking information and records
• Next of kin contact

Medical and other important items

Some supplies should be added based on the needs of the people in your home:

• Toiletries and personal hygiene items including menstrual supplies
• Pet supplies including food, water, and medication
• Infant formula, baby food, and wipes
• Prescription medications and medical equipment
• Eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Sunscreen and bug spray

Additional supplies

After putting together your basic emergency kit, consider adding these items to be more prepared for specific hazards or a longer period of time:

• N95 masks or surgical masks
• Water purifying tablets or additional stored water for cooking and cleaning
• Basic tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, gloves and pocket knife
• Small fuel-operated stove and fuel (never use inside buildings, tents, or other closed spaces)
• Hand sanitizer and garbage bags
• Whistle
• Candles with waterproof matches or lighter, stored safely
• Pen and paper
• Duct tape, scissors and plastic sheeting

Grab and go bags

Consider preparing a separate grab-and-go bag for each member of your household. These bags should include essential items from your basic emergency kit, but are easier to carry in an evacuation. Additionally, consider adding the following items to a grab-and-go bag:

• Local maps
• Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
• Utensils, plates and cups
• A small multi-tool with a screwdriver, scissors, and other useful tools
• Activities for children like books, puzzles or toys