PERSONAL EMERGENCY PREPARDNESS
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. It is a good idea to have an emergency kit for both your home and vehicle.
An emergency kit should contain at least a three day supply of non-perishable food and water. Choose ready-to-eat foods that don't need refridgeration or cooking. Keep in mind that if your kit contains canned food that requires cooking you have an alternative cooking appliance that does not require electricity. Here are some recommendations for items to include in an emergency kit:
- Three day supply of water, at least four litres per day per person. Two litres for drinking, two for food preperation and personal hygiene.
- Supply of water purification tablets.
- Canned food: soups, stews, baked beans, meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruit
- Crackers and biscuits
- Honey
- Peanut butter
- Syrup
- Jam
- Salt and pepper
- Sugar
- Beverage powders, instant coffee and tea
Replace all canned and dry goods once a year.
- Cutlery
- Disposable cups and plates
- Manual can opener, bottle opener
- Fuel stove and fuel
- Candles, waterproof matches
- Plastic garbage bags
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Flashlight and batteries
- Radio and batteries or crank radio
- Spare batteries
- First aid supplies
- Copies of important documents
- Clothing and footwear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Whistle
- Cash
- Emergency Contact Information
Checklists
Think of any special needs your family might have and include any other itmes you would need. Here are some suggestions:
Babies / Toddler
- Diapers
- Bottled milk - powdered milk and water
- Formula and food
Other Family Members
- One week supply of any required medications
- Extra eye glasses
- Batteries for medical appliances
- Extra oxygen cylinder
- Copies of prescriptions
Pets
- Three day supply of food and water