How to Build an Emergency Kit You Can Be Proud Of

Let’s talk emergency preparedness. Do you have an emergency kit ready to grab at a moment’s notice? If you don’t, that’s ok – this post is for you.

Creating a kit doesn’t need to take long at all. You’ll want to start with a good base – we recommend the Canadian Red Cross Deluxe Disaster Kit – and then add personal items, like those listed below.

Recommended Personal Items

Prescription medications
Extra pair of eyeglasses
Copies of important documents (passports, birth certificates, insurance papers)
Seasonal clothing
Cell phone charger
Pen and notepad
Personal toiletries
Cash in small bills
Spare keys
Local map with your family meeting place identified
Pet food and water (pets need about 30 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight per day)

Once you’ve gathered all your items, you’ll want to make sure you keep your emergency kit in an easily accessible location. You might not be home when disaster strikes – consider having a kit ready to go in your vehicle, and ask if your work has an emergency management plan in place.

Set a reminder in your phone to regularly check your kit to make sure it’s in good condition, current (are there only clothes 3 sizes too small for your kids? Spare keys only for your old house?) and that none of the food and water is expired.

What’s in our base kit?

The Canadian Red Cross Deluxe Disaster Kit is packed full of useful tools and supplies. It is carefully designed by the Canadian Red Cross to help ensure everyone is prepared for any emergency situation in any disaster – whether it be an earthquake, hurricane, fire, tornado or blizzard.

Sanitation & Personal Protection

Earthquakes can create A LOT of dust and debris. Make sure you and your kids can stay clean and protected, and breathe a little easier with:

Toothbrushing swabs
Dust masks
Biohazard bag
Nitrile-dipped gloves
High visibility vest
Earplugs
Hand cleansing towelettes

Lighting & Tools

In the event of an emergency, you never know how long the power may stay out, or what other tools you may find you need. Be prepared for anything with:

40-hour candle
Waterproof matches
7-in-1 multifunction tool
Roll of duct tape
12-hour glow stick
Canadian Red Cross Backpack

Communications

Cell phones may be unavailable or dead, and in the event of a major emergency, phones and internet may be non-functional. Call for help and communicate with:

Multi-function flashlight (solar and crank powered, includes radio and phone charger)
SOS Sign
Whistle

Shelter

Have some peace of mind knowing you can at least have a bit of shelter from the elements with:

Rain ponchos
Mylar blankets
Mylar sleeping bags

Food and Water

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how important food and water is to staying alive. Cover your bases with:

10 L water container
Water purification tablets
3600 calorie food bars

First Aid Kit

Depending on the disaster you’re caught in the middle of, injuries can be common. Be prepared with a comprehensive first aid kit, including:

Cotton tip applicators
BZK towelettes
Hand cleansing towelettes
Sting stop towelettes
An assortment of band-aids/bandages
Sterile gauze
Butterfly closures
Sterile abdominal pads
Tweezers
Scissors
CPR pocket mask
Vinyl gloves
Self-adhesive wrap
Roller gauze
Small cold pack
First-aid kit bag

Putting together a kit this comprehensive yourself is a pretty big undertaking, and all the individual items will likely cost you much more than simply buying the ready-made backpack. Even if you don’t get a chance to get around to adding the personal items, having a base kit like this available in case the “Big One” finally comes will give yourself and your family peace of mind and may just save your life.