Grab-and-Go Bags are compact, portable survival kits to take with you in the event of evacuation following events such as floods, wildfires, tsunamis and landslides. Each member of your household should have their own Grab-and-Go Bag with 1 to 3 days of supplies.
Home Emergency Kits are for major events such as such as severe weather, power outages, earthquakes and disease outbreaks, when you may be confined to your home for an extended period of time until essential services resume and critical infrastructure is restored. Store items to keep members of your household hydrated, fed, clean, comfortable, and entertained, even if power and running water are unavailable.
In broad terms, Grab-and-Go Bags are for survival, while Home Kits are for comfort. Collectively, your emergency kits should contain supplies to keep all members of your household safe and comfortable until services resume, or up to 2 weeks, and include items to cover all 8 Areas of Preparedness.
The 8 Areas of Preparedness
Emergency supplies can be categorized into 8 ‘areas’, that each support a different facet of survival.
Creating emergency kits may seem like a daunting task, but it’s likely you already own many of the foundational supplies. Start by looking through your camping gear, pantry, closets, even your ‘junk drawer’ may contain items that can go in your kits.
Water
Regular water services may be interrupted during extended power outages, contaminated during flooding events, or damaged following an earthquake. To prepare for such events, store 4 litres per person, per day (2 for drinking, 2 for cooking & sanitation), plus 1 litre per pet, per day.
The formula for 1 week of water is: 4 (litres) x _____ (# people) x 7 (days) = _______, + 7 litres per pet.
- Bottled water is the most accessible and offers the lowest upfront cost, but must be replaced every year as the plastic packaging degrades.
- 10-year shelf-life SOS Pouches and 50-year shelf-life AquaEmergency cans are available for a higher initial cost but offer significant savings and reduced packaging waste each year that the product does not need to be replaced.
- Large-volume water tanks will be the most cost effective and lowest waste option if you're planning to store a large volume, approximately 300 litres or more. The stored water can be treated with H2O ResQ Copper Silver Ion Drops to maintain potability for up to 5-years.
- LifeStraw water filters and AquaTab purification tablets can be a space-saving option IF you live within walking or biking distance of a reliable source of fresh water. Even if you plan to collect and treat the majority of your water, we’d recommend storing at least a 3-day supply in case the planned water source is compromised, or you’re unable to access it.
Food
Plan for 1200 to 2000 calories per person, per day. 1200 calories is the ‘survival ration’ threshold, where you will feel hungry but still get by. 2000 calories is a more comfortable, full-belly target to plan for.
In your grab-and-go bag, prioritize lightweight items that require little to no preparation. For your home emergency kit, add long shelf-life foods that can be rehydrated or cooked with minimal fuel and water. Review expiry dates regularly and rotate specialized foods into your normal pantry to keep supplies fresh, and remember to keep a manual can opener, utensils, and a pot in your kit.
- Canned goods are affordable, widely available, and offer good meal variety. They can be eaten straight from the can, but only have a shelf-life of 1 year.
- Ration bars, granola bars or protein bars are low-cost, portable, and require no prep. They are a good source of calories for the first few days, however they lack the nutrients required for long-term sustenance.
- Meals, Ready-To-Eat (MREs) are complete, ready-to-eat meal packs that heat themselves or can be eaten cold. They provide good nutrition with no prep needed, but they come at a high cost.
- Dehydrated or freeze-dried food pouches are 20+ year shelf-life meals that offer balanced nutrition with minimal prep at a moderate cost.
Light
Reliable light sources help keep your family safe during power outages by reducing the risk of falls, injuries, and confusion in the dark. Test batteries regularly, and store replacements where they are easy to access.
- Light sticks
- Flashlights
- Headlamps
- Lanterns
Heat
Maintaining warmth is critical during emergencies, especially in cold weather, as exposure can quickly become dangerous. Plan for each family member’s needs, including children, seniors, and pets.
- Extra clothing, including gloves, toques, and warm socks
- Sleeping bags
- Emergency mylar blankets
- Hand warmers
Shelter
Safe shelter protects your family from weather, debris, and unsafe conditions if you must leave home during an evacuation, or due to structural damage following an earthquake.
- Tents
- Ponchos
- Tarps
First Aid
A well-stocked first aid kit allows you to treat minor injuries and stabilize more serious ones until professional help is available. Remember to review and update contents regularly.
- Bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Medical gloves
- Prescriptions and other personal medical supplies, including medication, spare glasses or contact lenses, and extra batteries for hearing aids.
Sanitation
Without running water or waste services, it’s easy for germs to spread, especially in close quarters. Planning ahead with the following items helps your household stay clean, safe, and dignified when conditions are less than ideal.
- Personal hygiene items
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Baby wipes
- Garbage bags
Communication
Staying informed: Know where to get credible information before an emergency happens. Sign up for local emergency alerts, and write down your local radio stations and municipal websites.
Staying connected: Create a family emergency plan that includes a meeting place, phone numbers for all members of the household, and an out-of-area contact (someone who can connect family members if local lines are down). Keep a copy of the plan in every go-bag.
- Emergency radio (battery, hand-crank or solar powered)
- Whistles
- HELP/OK signs
- Battery bank
Other Considerations
- Scan important documents (such as birth certificates, passports, drivers’ licenses, insurance documents, etc.) and store them on a USB stick in your kit.
- Add some cash in small bills: in the event of a power outage, payment terminals and ATMs will be down.
Building an emergency kit doesn't have to happen all at once. Start with the basics, use supplies you already have, and add to your kit over time as your budget allows. Store your kit in an easily accessible location, check it regularly, and replace food, water, batteries, and medications that are approaching expiry as needed. As your household changes, update your kit to reflect new needs, including those of children, seniors, pets, or anyone with medical requirements. By preparing today, you'll be ready to face emergencies with greater confidence, comfort, and peace of mind when they happen.