I now live in Duncan BC on Vancouver Island (yippee!) When we moved here however so many people joked about the island sinking into the ocean following an earthquake…dun dun duuuuu! Even though I am not a believer in the island sinking theory I must admit that earthquakes happen here and we need to be prepared. Not just for earthquakes but for any emergency, after all they are called emergencies for a reason. It’s not called a scheduled disaster or a planned “let’s see how well everyone can do during a fire”. Emergencies happen suddenly and without warning. My kid’s school has asked parents to provide a “Comfort Kit” for each student in the event of an emergency in which kids are separated from their parents for a prolonged period of time. This got me thinking about how my family would react to a sudden emergency and if we were prepared for the unexpected. So are you prepared?
If you think you are that is great, your ahead of most. If you are like the rest of us you probably have been meaning to pack a “go” bag or store up on supplies, but just keep putting it off. Well here is your nudge. I am going to give you a list of things to put into a “go” bag in the event of an emergency. As well as some tips that you may not have thought about.
In most cases you will want to fill a large backpack with enough supplies to get you through 72 hours. Remember that you will need enough for everyone in your household so add more or take some away depending on your number. It’s also a good idea to have more than one. You may want a bag in your home and your vehicles, remember you may not be home when you need it. Even if you don’t plan on having a “Go Bag” it is a great idea to keep First Aid Kits in your home and all vehicles. Ok here is the list of supplies for a 72 hour Emergency Preparedness “Go Bag”:
Fill a large backpack with the following:
Shelter/Clothing
- Tent (small and light)/ Large Tarp
- Blanket or compact sleeping bag
- Duct Tape (can use to secure a shelter or almost any else!)
- Poncho/Rain gear
- Gloves/Hat (for warm and cold weather)
- extra pants and warm shirt (you can cut them incase of warm weather)
- extra socks/ boots/runners (I would opt for boots as they will hold up better in wet or cold conditions)
- Body warmers Reflective Blankets
Fire/Light
- Headlamp/Flashlight (extra batteries)
- fire starter/ lighter or matches (the light anywhere kind)
- candle
- Glow Sticks (dollar store sells)
- Swiss Army Knife (with can opener)
Identification/ Money
- Copies of ID (Drivers License, passport, birth certificates, SIN, Medical Care Card)
- Copy of Immunization Records
- Copy of Marriage Certificates
- Photo of Family
- Recent photo of kids
- Extra Cash ($50-$100)
- Pencil and small note pad
- USB with any other important documents. Insurance policy, photos of home and contents etc.)
- Cell phone and charger (wall and car)
WATER
- Water! Potable ready to drink. At least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days.
- Reusable bottle (Nalgene etc..)
- Walter filtration tablets for purifying water once you run out. (Coffee filters are great to strain any debris that may be in the water before you use the filtration tablets.)
Fire/ Light
- Headlamp or flashlight (extra batteries)
- Fire starter and matches (light anywhere kind)
- candle
- glow sticks
Food
- High calorie and energy food like power bars, protein bars, granola bars
- Meals-ready-to-go are also good
- beef jerky, dried fruit and non perishables that are light to carry.
- packets of re-hydration powder (Gatorade) to mix in water.
First Aid Kit
- Emergency First Aid Kit. You can purchased one from the Red Cross or you can make your own. Your kit should include at least the basics:
- Bandaids
- Sterile Gauze
- disinfectant
- first aid manual
- medical tape
- scissors, gloves, tweezers
- triangle bandage
- pocket mask / barrier device
- medications extra medication for each member of the family for at least 7 days. Such as inhalers, heart medications, epipens (take a photo of the prescription in case you lose the bottle).
- Radio with batteries
Pets
- Leash/Collar with ID and contact info
- Food
- Any medications
Extras
- Zip lock bags (large)
- garbage bags (ground sheet/ poncho etc.)
- bug spray/ sunscreen
- sunglasses
- Toilet paper, sanitary napkins, baby wipes.
- Small and light games for kids (cards, travel game)
This is a suggested list, you can add or take away to customize it to you (for instance if you have a baby you will include diapers and formula). Hopefully you will never need it but if you do you will be so happy you took the time to prepare this for you and your family.
Another amazing way to prepare yourself for emergencies is to take a Red Cross First Aid Course. I offer a variety of First Aid Training options so check out my courses page to find the right one for you.
You can also download the Red Cross First Aid App in the App Store and on Google Play.
For more information about First Aid Kits click on the Red Cross link below.
Hope this helps everyone feel a little safer a
nd more prepared. Happy packing!
Life Skills First Aid 