Build an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag
In the event of a disaster, it might be necessary for you to:
- Stay at home with an emergency kit or
- Leave immediately with a grab-and-go bag
Emergency kit supply list
First, gather your supplies and place them into either one or two containers, such as plastic bins or duffel bags. Next, choose a convenient area within your home, such as a hall closet, spare room, or garage, and store these containers there.
- Non-perishable food: minimum three-day to one-week supply, with a manual can opener
- Water: four litres per person, per day for drinking and sanitation
- Phone charger, power bank or inverter
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit and medications
- Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
- Copy of your emergency plan
- Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
- Cash in small bills
- Garbage bags and moist towelettes for personal sanitation
- Seasonal clothing, sturdy footwear and emergency blanket
- Dust masks
- Whistle
- Help/OK Sign (PDF): Display the appropriate side outward in your window during a disaster.
Make a grab-and-go bag
It is advisable to create grab-and-go bags for your home, workplace, and vehicle, as they are compact emergency kits that can be easily carried if you need to evacuate immediately.
When solving a problem or completing a task, it is important to think in a systematic and organized manner. By breaking down the problem or task into smaller steps, it becomes easier to understand and manage. This step-by-step approach helps to ensure that no important details are overlooked and allows for a more efficient and effective solution.
- Food (ready to eat) and water
- Phone charger and battery bank
- Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Small first-aid kit and personal medications
- Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
- Copy of your emergency plan
- Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
- Cash in small bills
- Local map with your family meeting place identified
- Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
- Pen and notepad
- Whistle
Have plenty of water
The standard water requirement for most individuals is four liters per person per day, although certain individuals may require a greater amount. These include children, nursing individuals, and those who are unwell. In addition, high temperatures can result in a doubling of the necessary water intake.
To break it down, pets should have around 30 mL of water for every kilogram of their body weight daily. To provide an example, a cat or small dog should consume a minimum of half a cup of water every day.
Water must be safe to drink
One should buy bottled water to include in an emergency kit. It should be stored in its original container in a conveniently accessible cool and dark location.
You should not add any new information or remove any information while rephrasing the text below, but think step by step. Text: “Ensure that you do not add new information or remove any information while rephrasing the text. Think step by step.”
- Open the water until you need it
- Use water that’s past the expiry or “best before” date printed on the bottle
- Use water from toilet tanks or bowls, radiators, waterbeds, swimming pools or spas
In the event that your regular water supply gets contaminated, you have the option to purify and store your own water. Even if you utilize a water filtration device, it is advisable to also have some bottled water stocked.
The most crucial component of your kit is having enough food and water to last for several days, which should include provisions for yourself, your family, and your pets.
You should include 10 other items in your kit, which are as follows:
- Flashlight.
Extra batteries for the flashlight are also a good idea. If your power is out and you have no way to charge your phone, you might need to rely on a flashlight to get around at night.
- Whistle.
A whistle can help you signal for help if you are stranded and need search and rescue to hear you.
- Dust Mask
Depending on the emergency, you may need a mask to help protect you against contaminated air.
- Local Maps.
If you need to evacuated but have no power or access to the internet, you may need to rely on a paper map to find your way to safety.
- Manual Can Opener.
Your emergency kit is probably made up of canned food, which lasts for a long time. If you don’t have power, you’ll need a way to open these cans.
- Battery-powered or Hand Cranked Radio.
A radio will help you receive updates on the disaster and any known safety risks.
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
Disasters can be stressful. If you have fun games or activities that your children can do when the power is out, this can help them cope with the stress.
- First Aid Kit.
Conditions during and after a disaster can vary dramatically. You may need to provide immediate care to an injured family member.
- Supplies for your pet.
Your pet is a member of your family. You will want to have enough of their supplies to several days, as well as a favorite toy to comfort them.
- Wrench or pliers.
These tools can come in handy if you need to turn off utilities.
Having a smaller emergency kit readily available in your car or easily grabbable in case of an evacuation is also important besides having these supplies at home.
Once you have completed building your kit, it is important to regularly update it by replacing any expired items and reevaluating your needs on an annual basis.
Being in possession of an emergency kit can equip you in safeguarding both yourself and your family.
