Build a Grab-&-Go Kit
Top 5 Recommendations
Store Water (4L/person/day)
Stock 72hr Food
Make a Family Plan
Hazard-Proof Your Home
🎒 Emergency Comfort Kits
Grab-&-Go Kit (per person)
- Water (2L) & snacks / energy bars
- Flashlight + spare batteries
- Battery / hand-crank radio
- Whistle, dust mask, hand sanitizer
- Cash in small bills
- Copies of ID, prescriptions, contacts
- Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, emergency blanket
- Phone charger + power bank
- Comfort item (book, photo, small toy)
Car Kit
- Blankets, extra warm clothing, sturdy boots
- Booster cables, tow rope, shovel, sand/kitty litter
- Flashlight, flares or reflective triangles
- Water, non-perishable snacks
- First aid kit, basic tools
- Phone charger, map of the region
💧 Emergency Water Supplies
How much
- 4 litres per person per day (2L drinking + 2L hygiene/cooking)
- Minimum 3-day supply; aim for 7 days
- Extra for pets, infants, sick people, hot weather
Additional sources at home
- Hot water heater (drain valve)
- Toilet tank (not bowl, if no chemicals added)
- Ice cubes, canned vegetables (use the liquid)
- Pipes — let air in by opening highest tap, draw from lowest
Purify: Boil 1 minute (rolling boil), or 2 drops unscented bleach per litre, wait 30 minutes.
🥫 Emergency Food Supplies
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, beans, vegetables, fruit
- Dried soups, pasta, rice, oats, crackers
- Peanut butter, nuts, dried fruit, trail mix
- High-energy bars, comfort foods
- Manual can opener, sturdy utensils, paper plates
- Special-diet items (infant, allergy, medical)
- Rotate stock every 6–12 months
🩹 First Aid Supplies
- Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads & roller bandages
- Adhesive & paper tape, triangular bandages
- Scissors, tweezers, safety pins
- Disposable gloves, CPR mask
- Antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer
- Thermometer, instant cold pack
- Pain reliever, antihistamine, anti-diarrhea
- Prescription medications (rotate)
- First-aid manual
🏠 Make Your Home Safer
Structural
- Bolt house to foundation; brace cripple walls
- Strap water heater to wall studs
- Inspect chimney for cracks
- Use safety film on large windows
Furniture
- Anchor tall furniture to wall studs
- Install latches on cupboards
- Move heavy items to lower shelves
- Use shelf liner to stop sliding
Utilities
- Know how to shut off gas, water & electricity
- Keep a wrench near the gas valve
- FortisBC gas emergency: 1-800-663-9911
- Test smoke & CO alarms monthly
🐾 Pets & Farm Animals
- 3–7 days food, water, bowls, medications
- Leash, harness, carrier; ID tags & current photos
- Vaccination records & vet contact
- Comfort items: blanket, toy
- For livestock: identify safe shelter, evacuation routes, hay/feed reserves
⚠️ During an Emergency
Earthquake
- Drop, Cover, Hold On. Under sturdy furniture, away from windows.
- If in bed: stay, cover head with pillow.
- If outside: open ground, away from buildings/wires.
- If driving: pull over, stay in vehicle, avoid bridges/overpasses.
- Expect aftershocks. Check gas leaks before lighting anything.
Fire
- Get out, stay out, call 911.
- Crawl low under smoke. Test doors with back of hand.
- Stop, drop, roll if clothing catches fire.
- Meet at your family meeting spot.
Flood
- Move to higher ground. Don't walk or drive through flood water.
- Shut off electricity at the breaker if safe.
- Avoid downed power lines.
Power Outage
- Keep fridge/freezer closed (4hr / 24–48hr).
- Use flashlights, not candles, where possible.
- Unplug sensitive electronics.
- Never run generators or BBQs indoors (CO risk).
Winter Storm
- Stay indoors; dress in layers if you must go out.
- Keep car fuel above ½ tank. Carry the Car Kit.
- Check on neighbours, especially seniors.
Tsunami
- Feel a long or strong quake near the coast? Move to high ground immediately — don't wait for an alert.
- Stay away until officials say it's safe.
🌱 Recovery — Moving Forward
Health & Safety
- Document damage with photos before cleanup; contact insurance.
- Discard food that's been unrefrigerated > 4 hours.
- Boil water until officials declare it safe.
- Wear gloves, masks, sturdy boots during cleanup.
Emotional Recovery
- Stress, grief and fear after a disaster are normal.
- Talk about it. Sleep, eat, hydrate. Limit news intake.
- Watch for signs of distress in children & pets — keep routines.
- Reach out: 988 (suicide/mental health), 211 (community supports).