Basic Emergency Kit
In an emergency event, students, faculty, and staff will need some basic supplies, as critical services may be interrupted. They should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for a minimum of 72 hours.
The following is a list of suggested items that should be included in a basic emergency kit for your home. Some of the items would be useful to have in your office in the event that an emergency occurs while you are at work.
You may have some of these basic emergency kit items already, such as a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food, water, and blankets. The key is to make sure they are organized, easy to find, and easy to carry (in a suitcase with wheels or in a backpack) in case you need to evacuate your home. Whatever you do, don’t wait for a disaster to happen.
- Water: Two litres of water per person per day (include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order).
- Food: Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars, and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year).
- Can opener: A manual can opener.
- Flashlight: Battery powered or wind-up (extra batteries).
- Radio: Battery powered or wind-up (extra batteries).
- Telephone: As the telephone system may be interrupted, it is advisable to have a cell phone available.
- First aid kit: Include a basic first aid kit.
- Special needs items: Prescription medications, infant formula, or equipment for people with disabilities. Food for service animals.
- Extra keys: For your car and house.
- Cash: Include smaller bills, such as $5 and $10 bills (traveler’s cheques are also useful) and change for payphones.
- Emergency plan: Prepare a home emergency plan and include a copy of it. Ensure that the emergency plan contains in-town and out-of-town contact information.
ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
The basic emergency kit will help you get through the first 72 hours of an emergency. In addition to this kit, we recommend you also have the following additional emergency supplies. Then you will be well equipped for even the worst emergency situations.
- Change of clothing and footwear: For each household member.
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket: For each household member.
- A whistle: In case you need to attract attention.
- Garbage bags: For personal sanitation.
- Toilet paper and other personal care supplies
- Safety gloves
- Basic tools: Hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, fasteners, work gloves.
- Small fuel–driven stove and fuel: Follow manufacturer’s directions and store properly. Ensure there is proper ventilation.
- Two additional litres of water per person per day: For cooking and cleaning.
- Copies of personal documents: Such as passport and birth certificate.
- Candles and matches or lighter