Ministry of Justice
British Columbians know that the province experiences a wide range of events like wildfires, earthquakes, flooding and severe weather. Preparing a 72-hour emergency kit is easy to do, can be done at a low cost. A basic home emergency kit should include:
* Water - two liters per person per day
* Food - canned food, energy bars and dried foods
* Manual can opener.
* Flashlight and batteries.
* Battery powered or wind-up radio (and extra batteries).
* First aid kit.
* Special needs items - prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities.
* Extra keys for your car and house.
* Cash - include smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travelers' cheques are also useful) and change for payphones.
* Emergency plan - include a copy of it and ensure it contains in-town and out-of-town contact information.
* A copy of important documents - birth certificate, passport, BC CareCard, insurance, photos of family members.
* Pet food.
Some recommended items:
* A change of clothing and footwear for each household member.
* Sleeping bag or warm (foil) blanket for each household member.
* A whistle (in case you need to attract attention).
* Garbage bags for personal sanitation.
* Toilet paper and othe personal care supplies.
* Safety gloves.
* Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, etc
* Small fuel-driven stove and fuel
* Additional water for cooking and cleaning.
To learn more about how you can be prepared for a disaster, visit the Emergency Management BC website at: www.pep.bc.ca and the Public Safety Canada website at: www.getprepared.gc.ca