How to Build an Emergency Kit for All Types of Disasters

If an emergency situation developed quickly, would you know what to do? In the event of flooding, a natural disaster, or an earthquake, it’s important to be prepared. Experts agree that you need to be prepared to survive for 72 hours with the possibility of having no water or power.

First Aid Kit Emergency Preparedness London Drugs

We’re proud to be early adopters of the Partners in Preparedness campaign with PreparedBC. Our hope is to make it easier for you to get ready for an emergency by reminding you of what goes in an emergency kit and giving you an opportunity to purchase what you need.

Key things to have in your emergency kit are:

  1. Water – estimate four litres per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
  2. Food – gather food that won’t spoil such as canned goods, protein energy bars, dried fruits, and meal replacement beverages. Don’t forget to pack the can opener. Include hard candies, chocolate, and gum in your kit as a lift for your senses.
  3. Essentialsflashlights, extra batteries, candles, matches, garbage bags, a blanket, hand sanitizer, whistle, and a small mirror are all must-haves.
  4. First Aid – ensure your first aid kit is up to date and medications have not expired, include gauze, pads and tape along with an assortment of bandages. Include several pairs of disposable latex gloves, face masks, antibacterial hand wash, and a small pair of scissors.
  5. Communication – battery-powered or a wind-up AM/FM radio to keep updated on current conditions.
  6. Seasonal clothing and footwear along with a dust mask in case of poor air quality.
  7. Entertainment – cards or any other board games. Crossword puzzle or pocket book to keep you occupied while waiting for the power to return.
  8. Additional non-essential but important items include duct tape, Swiss army knife, Kleenex, toilet paper, city map, and recent photographs of loved ones in case of separation.

Prepared emergency kits are available from London Drugs, SOS Emergency Response Technologies, and St. John Ambulance, but you can pack your bag to suit your family’s needs. All of these items should be ideally stored in a conveniently located and durable backpack.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist London Drugs

 

During an emergency, if a London Drugs store is able to remain open, we will offer:

  • PharmacyContact us at Customer Service for the latest information on your local store and for any urgent pharmacy inquiries 1-888-991-2299
  • Charging Stations – we will have charging stations available for your electronic devices
  • Supplies and emergency kits – our staff will be happy to help you find an emergency kit or help you to create your own that fits your needs
  • Batteries and Lighting, Candles – we’re here to help with emergency lighting needs from flashlights, batteries to candles
  • Water – it is always important to have an emergency supply of water at the ready

Emergency preparedness is always a good idea. Educate yourself, your family, and your friends on the potential risks, create a plan, and stay prepared for any situation that might arise. 

What You Need in Your Emergency Kit

What you need in an emergency kit

You never know when an emergency might occur — whether it’s a fire, earthquake, flood, snowstorm, or windstorm, you can potentially be left without power or forced out of your home. The best way to prepare for such scenarios is to have an emergency kit ready with all the items you’ll need to care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.

You can grab pre-assembled emergency kits at London Drugs in a variety of sizes. But you might also want to supplement the basics with additional items. Here’s a look at what you should have in your emergency kit.

What to Put in Your Emergency Kit

What you put in your emergency kit will depend on the specific risks in your area, the size of your household, and the individual needs of household members. But ultimately, you’ll want to prepare to be self sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours.

The Basics:What to put in your emergency kit

  • 2L of water per person per day
  • Canned food, energy bars, dried food and other items that won’t spoil are ideal. Be sure to include a can opener with your canned food
  • Flashlight with batteries and/or lightsticks
  • Radio with batteries
  • First Aid kit
  • Medications (and a copy of your prescriptions)
  • Infant care items such as diapers, wipes, formula
  • Pet care items
  • Cash in smaller bills
  • Copies of important documents such as insurance papers, birth certificates, etc.

The Extras:

  • Water for cooking and cleaning
  • Water purification tablets
  • Candles and matches/lighter
  • Extra clothing and shoes
  • An extra phone charger
  • Sleeping bag or warm blankets
  • Toiletries: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
  • Toilet paper/tissue
  • Utensils
  • A pocket knife
  • A whistle

You may want to split your emergency kits into several easy-to-carry bags and store them in places you’ll be able to access easily: the front closet, your garage, and even in your car.

Also, keep in mind that food and water as well as batteries should be replaced every year, so set yourself a reminder to swap them out annually.

Planning for an Emergency

What to put in your emergency kit

While having an emergency kit ready to grab and go is a critical part of an emergency plan, it’s not the only part. There are a couple of other things you’ll want to prepare:

An emergency plan: Write out a plan and ensure all family members know what to do in an emergency. Note your home’s emergency exits. Know how to turn off the gas, electricity, and water, if necessary. Know where the fire extinguisher is, and how to use it. Plan a safe meet-up point with family members in case you’re not all together when the emergency occurs. Map out your neighbourhood’s evacuation routes. Include plans for getting your children and pets if they’re not with you.

A health chart: Write out all pertinent health care information you might need, including a list of medical conditions, allergies, medications, vaccinations, medical history, and health care contacts.

Preparing for a day that may never come (fingers crossed) is a lot of work. But it will set your mind at ease knowing that you’ll be okay should the unthinkable ever happen.

Check out our full selection of emergency kits at londondrugs.com.

Your emergency preparedness kit: Essential items for a range of disasters

 

During an emergency if a London Drugs store is able to remain open we will offer:

  • PharmacyContact us at Customer Service for the latest information on your local store and for any urgent pharmacy inquiries 1-888-991-2299
  • Charging Stations – we will have charging stations available for your electronic devices
  • Supplies and emergency kits – our staff will be happy to help you find an emergency kit or help you to create your own that fits your needs
  • Batteries and Lighting, Candles – we’re here to help with emergency lighting needs from flashlights, batteries to candles
  • Water – It is always important to have an emergency supply of water at the ready
  • Less Urgent Inquiries –  We’ll field any question at ldonline@londondrugs.com

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