No one knows for sure when disaster will strike, but we can be prepared. Create your own 72-hour kit, and you will have the necessary items to help you and your family until emergency responder can reach you. Below are items you may want to include in your kit.
protein/granola bars
trail mix/dried fruit
crackers and cereals
canned meat, fish and beans
canned juice
water (4 L per person, include small bottles to carry with you.)
change of clothing (short and long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks, undergarments)
raincoat/emergency poncho/jacket
spare shoes
sleeping bags/blankets/emergency heat blankets per person
plastic and cloth sheets
hand-crank flashlight or battery-operated flashlights/lamps
extra batteries
flares
candles
lighter
waterproof matches
manual can opener
dishes and utensils
shovel
radio (with spare batteries/hand operated crank)
pen and paper
axe/pocket knife
rope
duct tape
whistle
cellphone charger
basic tools
small stove with fuel (follow manufacturer's directions for operation and storage)
first-aid kit
toiletries (toilet paper, feminine hygiene, toothbrush)
cleaning supplies (hand sanitizer, dish soap, etc.)
medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, children's medication, etc., and 3-day supply of prescription medication)
pet food and supplies
garbage bags
toys/reading material
legal documents (birth certificates, wills, passports, contracts)
insurance policies
cash in small bills
credit card(s)
prepaid phone cards
copy of your emergency plan and contact information
Keep ready-to-go kit items in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase, in an accessible place, such as a front-hall closet. Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the house knows where it is. Take it with you if you have to leave your house so you can be safe.
4 L of water for each person
food that you don't have to keep cold
manual can opener
plastic/paper plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons
flashlight and extra batteries
change of clothes
card with emergency contact information and the number of someone to call who lives out of town
pet food and supplies for a least 3 days
small first aid kit
personal ID card
personal hygiene items, soap, hand sanitizer
Store medicine you usually take near your ready-to-go kit.
Update your kits every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner to make sure that food, water and medication are not expires, clothing fits, personal documents and credit cards are up to date and batteries are charged.
Small toys/games are important; they can provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
Some items and/or flavours might leak, melt, or break open. Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might prevent this.