Grab and go kit

Make an emergency plan

The Government of Canada and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada encourage residents to create their very own emergency plan. Their website can help you create an emergency plan in 8 steps, after which you can print to keep on-hand.

Create your own emergency plan.

What to put in a “grab and go” kit?

Here are some suggestions as to what could be included in your kit:

• A small first aid kit & first aid manual
• Fire extinguisher (Type A, B and C fires)
• Wind up or battery-powered flashlight & batteries
• Portable wind up or battery-powered AM/FM radio & batteries
• Mobile device charger or backup battery source
• Cash (small bills) and coins
• Medications (if required)
• Eyeglasses
• Waterproof matches & candles
• Food (dried fruit & soup, crackers, freeze dried/foil pouch products)
• A three-day supply of water (at least two litres per person per day)
• Manual can opener
• Warm blankets
• Warm, protective clothing
• Sturdy, flat comfortable shoes
• Toilet tissue and other personal care items (i.e., toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary supplies)
• Whistle, pocket knife
• Heavy gloves
• Extra keys for your vehicle and house
• Flares (for the vehicle)
• Small tool kit (for the vehicle)
• Local maps
• If you have a pet, don't forget a three-day supply of food and water

You may want to ensure you have a corded phone in your home as most cordless phones will not work during a power outage.

If you are given notice of an impending evacuation, you may wish to expand this to include items that can't be replaced such as photographic negatives or photos, special papers (insurance, medical records, records of your possessions) and family heirlooms.

More resources:

• Government of Canada's get prepared checklist 
• Government of British Columbia's household emergency kit