Emergencies can happen at anytime and occur anywhere, sometimes without much warning.  An emergency may force you to evacuate your neighbourhood or confine you to your home or workplace.  It can leave you without services such as water, gas, electricity or a working telephone.  Are you prepared?

Being prepared for an emergency includes the preparation of an emergency survival kit.  An emergency survival kit includes all of the basic items you need to remain comfortable for at least three days immediately after an emergency.

It is important the contents of your emergency survival kit are kept all together in an easy to carry container in the event you have to leave your home as a result of an emergency.  This will ensure you have all of your supplies with you.  Your emergency survival kit should be kept in an easy-to-reach location and everyone in the family should know where it is stored.

The Emergency Survival Checklist below outlines the basic items every individual should have:

• flashlight and batteries
• radio and batters or crank radio
• spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
• first aid kit
• telephone that can work during a power disruption
• candles and matches/lighter
• extra car keys and cash
• important papers (identification)
• non-perishable food (ready-to-eat items that do not require refrigeration)
• manual can opener
• botteld water (4 litres per person per day)
• clothing & footwear
• blankets or sleeping bag
• toilet paper and other personal items
• medication
• backpack/duffle bag
• whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
• playing cards