While wintertime brings us the opportunity for many enjoyable outdoor activities, Canadian winters can be unpredictable. We recommend keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your home to prepare you and your family for an emergency. This will also make it easier to find your essentials during a power outage. Below is a list of our recommended items to keep in your emergency kit.
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Candles, matches and lighter
- Blankets and sleeping bags – It’s recommended to have at least one per person in your household.
- Basic tools – hammer, scissors, screwdriver, pocket knife, pliers. Having these items in your emergency kit will make them easier to locate and prevent you from having to move around your home during an emergency.
- First Aid kit – make sure it is well stocked and handy for any emergencies that may take place.
- Battery-powered-radio – this will help keep you informed on any power outages or emergencies.
- Bottled water – the recommendation is 1L of water per person in your household.
- Food – protein or granola bars are a good idea to have on hand and anything else that’s easy to open and non-perishable.
- Manual can opener – to aid in opening any canned food you may have stored.
- Hand sanitizer and basic toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and toilet paper.
- Medications – it’s wise to keep a surplus of any required medications, especially for life-dependent medications.
- Safety Whistle
- A list of emergency response contacts – this is especially helpful for children who may be at home alone, having a list in front of them so that they know who to call in an emergency will help them navigate any situations more efficiently.
- Extra cash – extra cash will come in handy in case of a significant power outage or if you are having trouble locating your wallet.
