In the event of an emergency, responders may be busy assisting those in immediate danger. The 72-hour kit holds supplies to support you and your household for at least three days. Don’t restrict yourself to just 72 hours – it’s ok to plan for a bit longer.
A 72-hour kit does not just include food and water, there are many other things to think about.
Be prepared for meal preparations beyond your household stove – especially if it’s electric
Never burn charcoal or use camp stoves or BBQs indoors – this could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.Build a cooking kit
- Camp stove (Butane) or BBQs (gas or charcoal) (For OUTSIDE use only)
- Fireplace – however if an earthquake has happened – don’t use it until it has been inspected for cracks and ensure it is structurally sound
- Be sure to use CLEAN or FILTERED water when adding to your food or boil it for the appropriate length of time
- Washing dishes may not be easy, but it is necessary. Use warm water to clean dishes. If this isn’t possible – keep a supply of disposable plates, utensils and cups on hand
This is a list of things to make sure you have on hand to make life a bit easier in an emergency
- Manual can opener
- Candles, lighter, waterproof matches
- Pens and paper
- Cell phone charger and power bank
- Duct tape
- Pocket knife
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Seasonally appropriate clothing
- Garbage bags
- Whistle and flares (to attract attention)
Ensure to have enough water for everyone in your household and your pets. 4 litres of water per person per day and animals – it is recommended to have 1 oz. of water per pound that your pet weights
Include food that doesn’t require cooking and won’t spoil – such as canned food (tuna, salmon, canned meats, vegetables, fruit, pasta choices, ready-to-eat soups, etc., dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, protein bars, and cereal. Ensure it is food your family will eat. Be sure to replace your food and water once a year. Don’t forget Pet Food
TIP: it’s simple to build your kit – simply add one can of food to your grocery cart every time you go shopping and add to your 72-hour food kit.
Protecting food when the power goes out
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible
- A full freezer will maintain safe temperatures for one or two days – a half-full freezer for one day
- Discard at-risk refrigerated foods that are warmer than 5 degrees Celsius
- Keep your raw foods separate from your ready-to-eat foods
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Camping lanterns (battery-operated only for inside use)
- Light sticks – these can provide light for up to 12 hours
- Solar lights that can be recharged using the sun
Following a disaster, it is always hopeful that you may be able to shelter in place in your home depending on the situation. Planning for an alternate means of shelter will help you and your family be as comfortable as possible.
- Tent or waterproof tarp
- Sleeping bags or blankets and pillows
- Rain gear
- Emergency/space blankets
- If you have a camper, RV, or van, it can be used as your alternate shelter
- Personal cleaning supplies (wet ones/wipes, hand sanitizer, dry shampoo, etc.)
- First aid kit – include aspiring/Tylenol
- Toilet paper
- Dish soap
- Feminine products
- Infant needs such as diapers, formula, bottles, etc.
- Prescription medications
- Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Pet items (leash, crate, medications, toy)
- Your emergency plan
- List of your emergency contacts (name & phone number)
- Out-of-area contact
- Extra set of house and vehicle keys
- Cash in smaller bills/coins
- Copies of important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and insurance papers
- A book, a game, a word puzzle – something for you to do and occupy your time