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It's recommended that every 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 kit should be stocked well enough to get you through a blackout period from these resources by provided alternate sources of food,
Hygiene Supplies
Recommended
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Garbage bags
- Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
Serving the Calling Lakes Region
Change of Clothing
Recommended
- A change of warm, dry clothes for each family member
- A couple pairs of dry socks for each family member
Family Documents
Recommended
- Copies of important documents. This can be photocopies or scanned, digital copies
- For a complete list of recommended documents to keep, see the City of Calgary's list. The link can be found in the side bar at the top
- Consider keeping digital copies on a secure cloud service to be able to access them from anywhere
Sleeping Bag or Blanket
Recommended
- A blanket or sleeping bag for each member of the family
Printable Checklist Version
water, heat, light and more. In addition to a supply kit, you and your family should have a plan in place for alternate meeting locations, means of communication and evacuation.
Below is a step-by-step guide to building your own emergency kit and plan. A printable checklist version of this guide is available for download on the right side of this page.
Steps to Building Your Kit
Step 1: Plan Your Kit
- Start by making a list of supplies that you'll need. Be sure to include any items that may be specific to you or your family such as prescription medications, baby supplies or 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. Many families set aside a few dollars per month in order to stock their kit.
Step 2: Pick a Container
- All of 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 container(s) should be portable enough that you can easily take them with you during an evacuation. Ideally, they should also be water resistant to keep your supplies clean, dry, and fresh.
- Plastic tote bins and suitcases work well. Luggage that you already own can be used. Simply just empty the contents of your kit when you travel, and replace them when you return.
Step 3: Gathering, Packing and Storing Your Supplies
- When packing your supplies, try to keep similar items together. For example, put all hygiene products in one Ziplock or Tupperware container.
- Make the most important items the easiest to get to. Place items such as medications, water and your first aid kit near the top so you won't need to dig for them.
- Once packed, place your kit in a dry place that is easily accessible.
Step 4: Updating Your Kit
- Once your kit is built, it will need to be maintained.
- Be sure to rotate or replace items that can expire or change such as medications, food and documents.
- Food and water should be changed out twice annually. Although we don't change our clocks in Saskatchewan, spring forward and fall back are still good times to update your kit.
Kit Contents
Alternate Heating Source
Recommended
- A heat source that is independent from your electrical or natural gas supply. It should provide enough warmth to heat a meal and provide some heat for comfort
- Candles in an old coffee tin work well but camping gels are recommended
- Be sure to include matches or a lighter
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 receive updates on what's going on
- A good flashlight for when it gets dark
- If the radio and/or flashlight is battery operated, be sure to pack extra batteries
Optional Extras
- Consider a flashlight/radio combination unit that also includes a USB port to charge your phone
Tips
- If you have a large family, consider multiple flashlights
- Consider a few glow sticks to help comfort children
Shelter in Place Supplies
Recommended
- Dust maks
- Duck tape. Enough to seal off all doors, windows and outside vents in your home
First Aid Kit Supply List