Prepare a 72-hour survival kit to care for yourself during an emergency in the community.  

Basic kit

A basic survival kit should have enough food, water and other necessities to take care of yourself for 72 hours. Basic survival kit items include: Here's a shopping list that may be of help:

  • 2 to 4 L of water for each person per day (you need water for drinking, cooking and cleaning)
  • Small bottles for easily carrying water in case of evacuation
  • Non-perishable food (canned and dried foods, energy bars, etc.)
  • Manual can opener
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Radio (battery operated or crank radio)
  • First Aid kit
  • Cash (small bills and loose change)
  • Extra set of house keys and car keys
  • Important papers and documents
  • Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, hand sanitizer)
  • Medication
  • Change of clothing and footwear
  • Sleeping bag or blanket
  • Small fuel-driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturer's instructions regarding storage and use and remember to never use inside the house)
  • Garbage bags
  • Safety gloves
  • Tools
  • Whistle (to attract attention)

Water and food for your survival kit should be stored in a dry place and replaced once a year.

Car survival kit
it's a good idea to have a survival kit in your vehicle as well. Items for your car survival kit should include:
  • Food
  • Water
  • First Aid kit
  • Sleeping bag or blanket
  • Extra clothing and footwear
  • Candle and matches
  • Flashlight
  • Small shovel
  • Scraper and snow brush
  • Tow rope
  • Flares
  • Jumper cables
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Sand, salt or kitty litter
  • Antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
  • Whistle (to attract attention)

 Pet survival kit

Yours pets need a survival kit as well. A pet survival kit should include:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Bowls
  • Can opener
  • Leash
  • Harness or muzzle, if needed
  • Pet carrier
  • Medications and medical records, including record of vaccinations
  • ID tag and licence information
  • Veterinarian's name and telephone number

Special needs items
Some family members may have special needs and require additional items in their survival kit.

Babies and young children

You should include diapers, bottles and formula in your survival kit, if you have a baby or young child to care for.

Adults

Make sure to include any prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lenses and contact solution, in your survival kit.

Seniors

Some seniors may need to include portable life-sustaining equipment in their survival kit, such as extra oxygen equipment.

Learn more about emergency planning.