It is recommended that each home has a kit filled with enough basic supplies to last three days (72 hours) in the event of an emergency. The resources that we are used to having, such as heat, power and water may not be available during an emergency. Your supplies should be able to get you through without those resources and should include things like food, water, alternative heat and light sources and more. Below is a guide on how to build your own kit. Be sure to download our printable step-by-step workbook to help you build your kit!
Steps to Building Your Kit
Step 1: Plan your kit
- Start by making a list of what you'll need in your kit. Include any supplies that may be specific to you and your family such as extra prescription medications, baby supplies and pet supplies.
- Keep in mind that your kit doesn't have to be built all at once. Make note of what you have now and what you'll need to purchase. It may be helpful to set aside a little extra each month in order to accumulate what you'll need.
Step 2: Pick a container
- All your emergency supplies should be kept together in 1-3 easily portable containers. The amount of space you'll need is dependent on the size of your family.
- Your containers should be portable enough that you are able to take them with you in the event of evacuation. Ideally, they are also water proof to keep your supplies clean, dry and fresh.
- Plastic tote bins and suit cases work well. You can use luggage that you have already and empty the supplies out when you travel.
Step 3: Packing and storing your supplies
- When packing your supplies, it is recommended that you keep like items together. For example: Ziplock bags or Tupperware containers can be used to keep things like all your hygiene supplies together. This will also make it easier to find certain items later on.
- Make the most important items the easiest to get to. You should be able to grab things like medication, cash, your first aid kit and water without digging around.
- Once packed, store your kit in a dry place that is easily accessible.
Step 4: Updating your kit
- Once your kit is build it will need to be maintained.
- Things that should be kept up to date include: medication and important documents.
- Food and water should be changed out twice a year. Although Saskatchewan doesn't change their clocks, this is still a good time to update your kit.
Kit Contents
Water
Recommended
- 2 litres of water per person, per day
Optional Extras
- 2 additional litres per person, per day for cooking and washing
- Water purification tablets in case you run out of water
Tips
- Change out your water 1-2 times a year to keep it fresh
- Include small bottles
Food
Recommended
- Food that is non-perishable and requires zero to little preparation/heating
- Canned food, dried food and energy bars are recommended
Optional Extras
- You may want to include drink crystals and hot chocolate/instant coffee mix.
Tips
- Include a manual can opener. You may not have access to or be able to use your regular opener
- Include a plates, bowls, utensils and cups to be able to eat with. Camping dishes work great for this
Medication
Recommended
- If possible, store a few weeks worth prescription medication
Tips
- Be sure to regularly swap them out for fresh medication
- If you cannot store extras, be sure to take your medication with you in an evacuation
Alternate Heating Source
Recommended
- A heating source that is independent from your house electricity and natural gas supply. This should be able to provide enough heat to cook your food and provide a little warmth to you.
- Candles in an old coffee can work well but camping gel stoves are recommended
- Don"t forget matches or a lighter to light them
Tips
- Be careful about where you set up your heat source. Avoid setting it on or near flammable materials
Flashlight & Radio
Recommended
- An AM/FM radio to be able to receive updates on whats going on
- A good flashlight will help you see at night without electricity
- It is recommended that you get a flashlight/radio windup combination unit
- If you have a battery operated radio or flashlight, be sure to stock extra batteries for them
Optional Extras
- Consider getting a combination unit that also includes a USB port to be able to charge your phone to send & receive updates
Tips
- If you have a large family, you may want to consider mulitple flashlights
- You may want to consider stocking a few glow sticks to help comfort children in the dark
Sleeping Bag or Blanket
Recommended
- A blanket or sleeping bag for each member of the family
Change of Clothing
Recommended
- A change of warm, dry clothes for each family member
- If nothing else, at least a couple pairs of dry socks for each family member
Hygiene Supplies
- Recommended
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Garbage bags
- Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
First Aid Kit
Recommended
- A first aid kit. One can be purchased or built. For a list of first aid kit contents, see the Red Cross
- Tips
- Taking a first aid course is also recommended
Shelter in Place Supplies
Recommended
- Dust masks
- Duct tape. Enough to seal off all of windows, doors and vents in your home
Cash
Recommended
- Cash to be able to pay for some meals, gas, etc.
- Be sure to include small bills and coins. Coins are helpful for making calls via pay phone
Family Documents
Recommended
- A copy of important documents. This can be paper copies or scanned, digital copies
- For a complete list of recommended documents to keep, see the City of Calgary's list
- Tips
- You may want to consider keeping a digital copy of important documents on a secure cloud service to be able to access from anywhere with internet
Baby Supplies
Recommended
- A complete extra diaper bag including diapers, wipes, powder, toys, etc.
- Be sure to include any baby food or formula when stocking your food
Pet Supplies
Recommended
- 3 days worth of food and supplies for your pets include extra toys
- Be sure to include your pets when stocking your water
Extras
- Optional Extras
- Whistle to attract attention
- Spare glasses
- Spare phone charger
- Activities like books, puzzles, toys, cards, etc.
Emergency Kit
Serving the Calling Lakes Region
CALLING LAKES
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
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