Why Do You Need a Home Emergency Kit?

In situations like severe weather or power outages, access to heating, electricity, clean water, and other everyday necessities/amenities may be limited. Additionally, emergency services may also be delayed. A home emergency kit helps you manage disruptions by providing essential household supplies in the meantime.

What Essentials Do You Need in a Home Emergency Kit?

Water

Ensure you store enough water for everyone in your household, including pets. Aim for at least 2 litres per person per day for drinking, plus a surplus for food preparation and hygiene. Also, don’t forget to consider your pets’ water needs.

Non-Perishable Food

Choose foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration. Canned goods, granola bars, dried fruits/nuts, and ready-to-eat meals are great examples. Also, don’t forget to include a manual can opener in your home emergency kit.

Light/Power Sources

Rechargeable power banks, extra batteries, and hand-crank chargers can help keep phones and small devices powered. Keep everything illuminated, which includes flashlights and battery-powered lanterns.

First Aid Supplies

A basic first aid kit can go a long way. It should be stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes, medical gloves, pain relievers, and any other prescription medications. Also, if anyone in your household has special medical needs that require medical equipment, backup batteries, or extra supplies, please make sure the equipment is fully stocked and working.

Extra Clothing

Especially when heating systems are not operational, staying warm is essential. Have extra blankets, warm clothing, gloves and hats to keep warm, especially in the colder months. Additionally, if you need additional protection, thermal blankets or a space heater can be particularly helpful when heating systems are unavailable.

Emergency Tools and Supplies

Essential items include a multi-tool, plastic sheeting, duct tape, matches/lighter, a whistle, and a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio to stay informed.

Hygiene Products

Please make sure you are stocked with items such as toilet paper, moist wipes, hand sanitizer, and feminine hygiene products. Families with young children should add extra diapers, formula, and bottles to their home emergency kit.

Personal Items

Please keep any personal items you wish to take with you in case of an evacuation. Also, have some cash and a paper list of emergency numbers and key contacts in case your devices are without power.

Where to Store Your Home Emergency Kit

Keep your emergency kit in an easily accessible location, such as a closet near the front door or a basement shelf that won’t be impacted by flooding. Additionally, ensure everyone in your household knows where the kit is kept and what it contains.

Replenish Your Kit

It is essential to review your emergency kit at least once a year. Replace expired food, water, batteries, and medications, and adjust supplies as your household’s needs change.

Tips for Staying Safe

Stay Informed

Keep track of weather alerts and outage updates using a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, or a mobile device with emergency alerts enabled. Follow instructions from local authorities, especially if evacuation or shelter-in-place orders are issued.

Limit the Use of Candles

While candles may seem like a quick lighting solution, they pose a serious fire risk. Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns whenever possible, and keep open flames away from children, pets, and flammable materials.

Protect Food and Appliances

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve food. If the outage is prolonged, discard perishable food that has been exposed to unsafe temperatures. Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored.

Use Generators and Heaters Safely

Never use generators, barbecues, or propane heaters indoors or in enclosed spaces, as they can produce dangerous carbon monoxide. If using a generator, place it outside, well away from windows and doors.

Conserve Heat or Cooling

During cold weather, close doors and curtains to retain heat and wear warm layers. In hot weather, stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary activity, and use cool cloths or shade to manage heat without power.

Avoid Unnecessary Travel

Severe weather can make roads dangerous. Stay home unless travel is essential, and keep vehicles off the road to allow emergency crews to work safely.

Check on Others

If it’s safe to do so, check on neighbours, especially seniors, people with disabilities, or those who may need extra support during an outage or storm.

Know When to Seek Help

Call emergency services if there is an immediate danger, such as a medical emergency, fire, or downed power lines. For non-urgent issues, follow guidance from local utilities or emergency management agencies.

Home Emergency Kit

A home emergency kit doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, but it should be thoughtful and complete. Taking the time to prepare now can reduce stress, improve safety, and help your household weather storms and power outages with confidence.

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