Emergency Preparedness – What’s in Your Emergency Kit?
This post is sponsored which means I received product or compensation.
Emergency preparedness is something every family should give some thought to periodically. From severe thunderstorms in the spring to heavy snowstorms in the winter, we’re all at risk for emergency situations. To be honest I didn’t really ever worry much about being prepared for natural disasters or weather incidents until recently.
The tornado we had in Ottawa this year really hit home for me. As I watched and worried about several good friends in the Ottawa region, I realized my family isn’t prepared enough for emergencies in general. That got me thinking about preparing an emergency kit and supplies just in case something should happen. I’ve done a bit of research into this lately and I have prepared most of the items on this list to keep my family comfortable during emergency situations that would otherwise be miserable and potentially unsafe.
Table of Contents
Emergency Preparedness Supplies
It’s important to have all the essentials on hand and ready to go in your home in case of an emergency. These essential supplies keep your family safe and healthy, allowing you to better ride out the emergency situation until things like power and water can be restored – or in an extreme emergency, until rescue arrives. While all emergency preparedness kits will be a little different based on where you live, I’ve put together the core supplies that everyone should have in their homes for emergency situations.
Bottled Water
In case of flooding or lack of running water, having bottled water on hand is key. Bottled water keeps you hydrated in the face of lack of water or contaminated water. Keep a few cases in the home to give you enough clean drinking water to last about a week.
Non-Perishable Food
It’s important to keep a supply of non-perishable foods in the home, as well. Canned, boxed, and bagged ready to eat food items are an essential part of any emergency preparedness plan.
Batteries
Keep a healthy supply of batteries in your emergency area, as well. These will be used to power radios and flashlights.
Portable Phone Chargers
In addition to batteries, keep a few fully-charged portable phone charger banks in your kit, as well. In case of a power outage, you’ll need those to help you stay in touch with family, friends, and possibly rescue officials.
A Home Generator
One of the best emergency preparedness items to have for your home is a generator. In addition to stocking up on emergency supplies, we now have a Champion power generator, and I already feel so much safer. Depending on the size of the generator you have, you may not have to worry about many of the problems families face in emergency situations. For example, with our generator, I know that I won’t have to worry about food going bad or any of the other problems that come with a full-on power outage.
Champion Power Generator
We have a Champion power generator. Champion has a great reputation, and they made it easy to find the right size for us. Generators come in a variety of sizes, from small to power specific items to large enough to power an entire home. For example, according to their website, the smallest recommended size for home use is 3000 to 4000 watts, and that’s only for powering smaller appliances. For larger appliances or whole-house use, the sizes go up. 5000 to 9000 watts is recommended for powering air conditioning or several appliances at once, for example. We used the Champion generator size calculator to determine the size right for us, and it was super easy.
Emergency Preparedness is Easier with a Generator
We have a fully stocked emergency preparedness kit in our home now. It’s complete with batteries, non-perishable food, water, and more. What really gives me peace of mind, though, is our Champion power generator. With the generator in place, I know we’ll be able to power everything we need in case of a power outage, which means I don’t have to worry about food going bad, not having light, or any of the other difficulties that go with being without power.
Surprise Giveaway!
Guess what? In addition to these great tips on emergency preparedness, I’m also bringing you a giveaway! One lucky reader will win a $50 Canadian Tire gift card. Surprise!
201 Comments
Lynda Cook
I have won a 72 hour emergency kit so I have that, but this gift card would be great to stock up on batteries and candles
Paula
Oh good luck then!!
Alison Braidwood
I have a good first aid kit, an emergency blanket, whistle, etc. But I wouldn’t call it a proper emergency kit.
Janet M
I did make one and I have a flashlight, a little radio, a flare and a water bottle.
Heather Sibley
We have the basics but should probably expand on it. We have batteries, matches, water, and a first aid kit.
elaing8
I do have a kit with first aid box,can opener,radio,flash lights, batteries and blankets and water.
Ira
I don’t exactly have an emergency kit, but I have a spot in my basement with some of what would be in it sitting together.
Amy Heffernan
We have a flashlight and blanket!!! Thanks!
Athena
I don’t really have one.
Kim Tanti
It is crazy but no I do not have and emergency kit. Living in Northern Ont. I really should.
Cathy Brown
Yes, I have food, pet food, clothing, batteries, candles.
kathy downey
We have flashlights,candles,matches.Water and dry food dry food emergency preparedness kit plus a first aid kit
ivy pluchinsky
We have a small kit with a flashlight, batteries, candles and matches. I know I need a better one though.
wendy hutton
I don’t have an emergency kit at all, I know I should
Jennifer Ann Wilson
I do not have an emergency kit but I will be putting one together soon.
Carolle H
I don’t have one , but I have to put one together
Kim G.
I don’t have an emergency kit, but I do have things for a kit (flashlights, blanket, etc)
409cope
We have a kit with a flashlight, crank radio, candles, blanket, granola bars and bottles water.
Michelle W
I have a flashlight, blanket, energy bars, gloves and a shovel during the winter.
Florence Cochrane
I have most everything for an emergency but not in in a kit. I need to get my act together.
kristen visser
we actually do not have an emergency kit but totally should have one !
l p
don’t have one yet – thanks for the reminder.
Lynda Cook
I have some stuff but not everything
Debbie White-Beattie
I have a really big emergency kit with food, water, medical supplies, clothing and a lot more
Julie F
I don’t have an emergency kit put together!
Erica Seaman
We have water, canned food, radio , candle and matches. We also have a Champion generator, fortunately since we bought it, we haven’t had to use it.
kathy downey
With all the unpredictable weather happening everywhere we really need to prepare ourselves for at least 72 hours.We have a kit and update when needed!
Paula
I agree with that very much! The weather is extremely unpredictable and that’s a whole other post for sure.
wendy hutton
all I real have is a first aid kit and flashlights
michelle tremblett
We have a flashlight, candles, canned foods, water and extra blankets.
Janet M
I do have a small kit but can always us ea more involved one.
andrea amy
I don’t have one but I keep extra canned/non-perishable goods in the cupboards at all times, bottled water on hand, and I have an emergency lantern plus a couple emergency candles that are in waterproof tins with matches and a metal portion that attaches to make them into little stoves.
Alison
Yes! We have ready to go bags for each person in the family. Our in house emergency supplies could be grouped a bit better, but a lot of it comes from our camping equipment. Our kit includes a crank radio, but I’d like to add a crank cellphone charger, they sell one at Lee Valley.
A couple tips.. if you are planning to use dried food, make sure you have enough potable water for that too, not just drinking. Have a supply of any medications your family members would need in your kit. Think about pets! The City of Ottawa has great checklists for this purpose available in multiple languages. ottawa.ca/areyouready
Paula
That is excellent advice Allison! Thanks!
Heather Howard
I know what I would like to have in it, but, no, I do not have one yet. I would like some shelf stable food, water, thermal blankets, etc
Shirley OFlynn
I don’t really have an emergency preparedness kit.
Dave Gibb
I have a flash light and some band aids ,not much else .
Carole D
I have a 72 hour emergency kit for 1 person. I need to get another one.
LILLIAN BROWN
WE do have one with a first aid kit. can opener, portable radio, batteries and blankets and water
Jonnie
We actually do not have an emergency preparedness kit. I’ve never eeally thought about making one but with all the environmental disasters happening lately, I guess I should get on it.
Carol m
Don’t really have a proper one
Jennifer C
I don’t have one but given all that is happening in the world I probably should get one together.
sabina edwards
The power goes out here on a regular basis, so we have candles but thats about it. Not much you can do if its -40C outside and you have no fireplace…in that temp, the pipes will freeze and you had better hope you have some decent insurance for that.
Lynda Cook
I have a crank radio, water, matches, candle and a few other items!
Amber Y
We don’t have an emergency preparedness kit. We’ve talked about putting one together, but just keep putting it off.
Debbie White-Beattie
I have an emergency kit for my cat and dog with food, blankets, carriers, treats, litter with a box and everything else they might need.
Juliee Fitze
We have a flashlight and candles always handy.
kathy downey
Batteries and a radio are certainly handy items to have.
wendy hutton
I have not kit made at all, I have flashlights and candles in the house
Julie Barrett
I have an outdated one in my car but I don’t have one in the house. I should get a new one for both places
Janet M
I have the basics a flashlight, radio and heavy duty plastic.
Allie F
Just a flashlight eek!
Krista M
I actually don’t have a kit at all. Especially with kids in the house I should have one, it’s so important.
jan
We keep meaning to make an emergency preparedness kit, but haven’t to date.
Rachel Williams
We just have flashlights and lots of bottled water.
Dianne G.
We have a first aid kit, candles, flashlights, granola bars, water and a few other things.
Tina L.
I ave most of the items for a kit, but they’re not all together.
Julie Bolduc
I have flashlights and extra batteries
Carol m
Don’t have a proper one just bandaids and such.
Shirley OFlynn
I usually have a flashlight and bottled water on hand.
Kristy R
I don’t have an emergency kit, but it’s definitely something that I should put together.
Viv Sluys
Currently we just have water, candles, flashlights and extra batteries in our emergency kit.
Janet M
I have a flashlight and a radio.
wendy hutton
I don’t have one but have flashlights, candles and radios handy
Laura Paquet
My emergency kit is not as good as it could be! I have a windup flashlight, batteries, candles and first-aid supplies, but it would be great to expand it with the gift certificate. 😀
Elena
I do have some big jugs of water in the basement, but that’s about it!
Jenny Major
we have a first aid kit with an emergency blanket and flashlight
Allie F
I have a meagre kit-only a flashlight!
Debbie White-Beattie
I have a crank radio/flashlight, canned foods, lighter
jan
Unfortunately my emergency preparedness kit is non existant
Mary
I don’t have one but I would love to have a home generator. You just never know when you are going to need one.
kathy downey
Our emergency preparedness kit also contains batteries/ radio/flashlight .
Gillian morgan
We don’t have a kit but I always have lots of canned goods, batteries, bottled water and flashlights.
Mandy
We do have a kit and it contains flashlights, heat pads, propane for our cooker, bandaid and disinfectants.
Dianne G.
I have an emergency kit but there is always room for improvement as I think of other things we would need.
Lynda Cook
I need to to put a kit together for the truck, you never know what might happen out there on the road!
Debbie White-Beattie
I have sleeping bags, clothing, sewing kit
Soozle
Some protein bars, candles, blankets and warm clothes are in my kit
Allie F
I only have a flashlight in my kit! EEK!
kathy downey
We have the basics but should probably do some add ons!
wendy hutton
I have no emergency kit but I do have flashlights in everyroom
Angela Smith
we do have a “go bag” with all sorts of things from candles, flashlights, toilet paper, water packets, some dry food, tarps, etc.
Good reminder to go through it and update it though, thank you!
Linda
I have flashlights, a blanket and water purification pills in my kit, and many other things besides.
Karla Sceviour
I don`t have an emergency kit!! I should definitely get on that! I do have lots of candles and flashlights around.
Janet M
I have a light, tape and batteries.
jan
Ugh – we do not have one set up yet
Lee-Ann S
We do have an emergency preparedness kit but in particular we have trouble making sure it is supplied with water.
Robyn Bellefleur
Sadly we do not have one, and I know we should have one but I keep forgetting to pick one up.
Debbie White-Beattie
I have 3 different kinds of tape, first aid kit and socks
lori
our kit needs updating, as far as the food items and fresh batteries. we have our basic first aid kit
jan
Unfortunately my emergency preparedness kit has yet to be started
kathy downey
We just added an emergency blanket to our kit!
Jenness M
Terrible- we don’t have one yet!
wendy hutton
I only have a flashlight, candles and batteries
Janet M
I have a flashlight, tape, batteries and a radio.
Allie F
Sadly, I only have a flashlight in my kit!
Carol m
I do, but it could be better.
heidi c.
We have a First Aid Kit, flashlight and batteries, blankets, water, wind-up radio, matches and candles. My hubby is in charge of keeping us up to date!
Sarah Letendre
We keep a flashlight with extra batteries , a pen and paper , some canned goods , first aid kit ,things like that
Travelbuds
I need to get one. I keep saying that but never do so I really need to get my but in gear and get one.
Pam
we have a spot for flashlights and candles but that is about it.
oh dear.
Maritess S
We do have a preparedness kit but I think we can do better with what is on it (flashlight, water, canned good and first aid kit).
Debbie White-Beattie
I have wipes – oatmeal – dried products
Silvia D
one in the truck and one in the house … things like flashlights, candles, waterproof matches,bottles of water, dried goods, medical supplies, extra medications
Lynda Cook
I have a small kit in the home, but I still have to make one for the truck!
kathy downey
I love reading the comments because they give me ideas on items I should add to my kit and ne I see today is a can opener,which I will add !
wendy hutton
we do not have any emergency kit set up
Janet M
eI only have a few items like a flashlight and a radio.
lori
we do have a first aid and a basic quake kit, however, our food one needs updating, also we need fresh batteries for our flashlights and radio
Allie F
Sadly I only have a flashlight in mine!
Dianne G.
I need to check dates on my emergency kit items to make sure none have expired. Some of the first aid creams and the granola bars do have best before dates.
Shirley OFlynn
I have been thinking about putting together an emergency kit for my car.
Kittypride
We do not have an emergency kit.
jan
I really need to get our emergency kit started
Carol m
I have one, but it’s lacking
Glogirl
I don’t have an emergency preparedness kit but do keep bottled water, lots of non-perishable food items and candles/flashlights on hand.
Debbie White-Beattie
I’ve got hygiene products, blankets, utensils
kathy downey
I also have pet food and blankets
wendy hutton
I do not have an emergency kit made but I do have flashlights, candles and lots of batteries
Erin W
we live in a region accessible only by ferry so we really need an emergency kit. Ours has a lot of food and water, alcohol, a shotgun, a generator, gas, first aid supplies and more food.
Janet M
I have a light, radio and tape in a kit.
Kristi
I have the basics but not really a full emergency kit.
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard
we really dont have one except a flashlight
Dianne G.
One of the things we have in our kit is a flashlight.
Silvia D
I have a supply of my prescription medications along with regular first aid supplies
Carol m
I have one but it could be better
Michelle Policelli
Because we live in the country we always have an emergency kit with all of the basics and a generator especially during the winter! I just need to get new portable phone chargers and new batteries.
Debbie White-Beattie
I’ve got Toilet paper, Kleenex in my kit
HEIDI C.
I think that we have a fairly solid emergency kit but I am sure that we need to revisit it and check and make sure.
jan
I hate to say that our kit hasn’t even been started.
Michelle W
Batteries, snacks, wipes, tp
kathy downey
I have added a few flares and blankets!
wendy hutton
I hve no emergency kit or plan in place
Allie F
Sadly, I only have a flashlight in my emergency kit!
ivy pluchinsky
It’s so important for everyone to have an emergency kit or two! I need to really update mine
lori
i need to update ours with some fresh batteries for flashlight and radio
Silvia D
we have lots of bottled water and dry goods.
Shirley OFlynn
I always have a blanket in my car.
Dianne G.
We have blankets in our emergency kit.
Carol m
Yes I have one but it’s sorely lacking
Caroline
I don’t have one *hangs head in shame*.
Debbie White-Beattie
I have rain ponchos, oatmeal and dried products
Julie Barrett
I have a mini one in my car but it’s very old and should be updated and I have a first aid box in the house but that’s it.
Lynda Cook
I have a kit for the home, but would like to make one up for the truck!
Dianne G.
We have matches and a BBQ lighter in our emergency kit.
Pam
to be honest I am not that prepared.
wendy hutton
I have not prepared but do have flashlights, candles and batteries
ivy pluchinsky
there is a flashlight and glow stick in mine
Shirley OFlynn
We always have a small stockpile of non perishable food items on hand just in case we needed it.
Carol m
I have one, but is not not great
kathy downey
A little radio would also be good to add!
jan
My emergency preparedness kit is lacking. As in it hasn’t been started.
Silvia D
we also have a solar powered radio, a battery radio and lots of extra batteries
Debbie White-Beattie
I’ve got a tent and vitamins
Kathryn
My kit has water, tinned food, manual can opener, utility knife, lights that attach to our heads (so they come with us)
Tara Gauthier
We have a kit with essentials like water, food and candles. Other stuff we might need such as blankets, sleeping bags, propane and camp stove is all easy to grab as camping stuff is in one spot.
jan
I have to report that we do not have a kit started yet.
kathy downey
We have the basics but should probably add more items !
Allie F
I only have a flashlight in mine!
wendy hutton
I only have a few flashlights, candles and batteries
lori
we do have a kit, but certain things need replacing, i like to have mre meals ready
Carol m
I have one that’s not very good.
Dianne G.
We have canned meat and a can opener in our emergency kit.
Eva Mitton-Urban
Quite honestly, had a spring flood in our basement. Had to rip up all the carpet and clean the walls. The flashlight, batteries and other essentials were used and not replenished. Time to restock the Emergency Kit that we assembled. Not at the bells and whistles, time to revisit.
Sarah Letendre
we keep a warm blanket in our kit
Silvia D
we have some of those shiny silver blankets, canned food, energy bars and lots of water..
Debbie White-Beattie
I have special straws that can be used in any type water and a flint striker
Lynda Cook
I have a 72 hour kit
Michelle W
Blankets and gloves during the winter months
kathy downey
We have batteries, matches,dry food, water, and a first aid kit.
wendy hutton
I do not have a kit prepared but I do have flashlights, candles and batteries and first aid kits
Maritess S
We do not have an emergency preparedness kit but one of our kitchen cabinet is dedicated to storing first aid kits, candles, batteries and matches.
ivy pluchinsky
We have matches, candles, flashlight, batteries, and a glow stick in ours
jan
My emergency preparedness kit has yet to be started!
Carol m
The one I have could be better
Dianne G.
One of the things in our emergency kit is a rain poncho.
lori
waterproof matches
Kristi
I don’t have a whole emergency kit but am thinking I should get one.
Debbie White-Beattie
I’ve got water proof matches and a whistle
sarah alexis
I have flashlights and batteries!
Dianne G.
We have extra batteries in our emergency kit.
Michelle W
Flashlight and shovel
wendy hutton
I do have flashlights, candles, batteries and wooden matches but they are not in a kit
Carol M
I do have one but it needs much improvement
heidi c.
I know that we have one but your post has me wanting my hubby to review it. I think that it has been a while…
Lee-Ann S
Miss R is busy building the emergency preparedness kit and making sure it ready for Christmas!
Carey Hurst
I have one started and slowly getting what I need, so far we have a emergency tent, water drinks , batteries for head amps, compass, paracorde bracelet , some emergency stuff like bandaids etc, some tea lights , fire starters,bunch of other stuff lo
Dana Calder
We have a generator, well and lots of food 🙂
Kristi
I don’t have an actual kit although I do have some of the necessary items.
em
unfortunately i don’t have one. i only have a flashlight nearby and bottled water
Debbie White-Beattie
I have a Can opener, batteries, candles
Dianne G.
We have a small amount of cash in our kit for emergencies. No power means no bank machines.
Silvia D
we added a can opener, canned food, dried food, put matches in a watrproof container
Michelle W
First aid kit and extra clothes
kathy downey
We need to add an emergency blanket.
wendy hutton
no kit but do have batteries, flashlights and wooden matches
Suzi
we keep talk about making one but haven’t and really need to do it!
Julie Barrett
I don’t have one but I should make up one. This post is really helpful!
Paula
Julie – Super! Thanks for reading.
Carol m
I do have one, but sure could use a better one.
Kristi
I don’t actually have a kit but have a flashlight, candles, batteries. This is a good reminder.