A Guide to Building your own Emergency Kit or Earthquake Kit
If a disaster hits, do you have enough supplies to last you at least 72 hours? It doesn’t matter whether it is an earthquake, a flood or a wildfire; it may take emergency workers some time to assist everyone in need. It may take even longer for water, hydro and gas to be restored. Don’t leave yourself stranded; prepare now!
We challenge every one of you to have your earthquake kit created by July 1st, Canada Day. You never know when a disaster is going to hit and we want you to be ready. It is important to have a first aid kit, food, water and emergency supplies in your disaster kit. We also recommend keeping the items in a backpack or bag so the items are easily accessible and portable. If you need to evacuate quickly, you don’t want to be stumbling around in the dark trying to find your supplies.
Here are some suggestions to include in your kit:
First Aid Supplies:
- Gloves
- Gauze
- Bandages (variety of sizes and shapes)
- Alcohol and iodine prep pads
- Adhesive medical tape
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Prescription medications
- Hand sanitizer
Emergency Supplies:
- Whistle
- Battery powered or hand crank radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Dust mask
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Wet wipes
- Garbage bags
- Toilet paper
- Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, pocket knife)
- 50 hour candle
- Waterproof matches
- Pencil
- SOS sign
- Mobile phone charger
- Money
- Spare house key
- A list of phone numbers for family and friends
- Food and Water:
- Four litres of water per person per day for at least three days for consuming, cooking and cleaning
- Water purification tablets
- Three day supply of non-perishable food per person. This should include canned food as well as portable food rations.
Some additional items you may want to consider include:
- A can opener
- Infant formula, baby food and supplies
- Pet food and supplies
- A change of clothing and footwear for each person in your household
- Toiletries and other personal hygiene items
- A camping stove and fuel
- Utensils, plates and cups
- Activities for children like books, puzzles or toys
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person in your household
If you don’t have the time or desire to build your own disaster kit, you can purchase an emergency preparedness kit directly from the Red Cross. We highly recommend the Canadian Red Cross Survival Bundle with 3 Day Food Ration. The prices vary by the number of people.