Here in BC, we regularly hunker down for a good storm or two during Fall and Winter. Yet, we’re always caught off guard when the power goes out. This season, be prepared!
During an emergency or storm, you could lose important services like power, phones, and water. Having an emergency kit ready for any situation is important. You’ll want to be sure to have enough supplies to get you and your pets through 72 hours or more.
Here is a list of emergency supplies you should always have on hand.
Source: BC Government Website
- Non-perishable food: minimum three-day to one-week supply, with a manual can opener
- Water: four litres per person, per day for drinking and sanitation
- Phone charger, battery bank or inverter
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit and medications
- Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
- Copy of your emergency plan
- Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
- Cash in small bills
- Garbage bags and moist towelettes for personal sanitation
- Seasonal clothing, sturdy footwear and emergency blanket
- Dust masks
- Whistle
- Help/OK Sign (PDF): Display the appropriate side outward in your window during a disaster.
Just as important as your own emergency kit, is your pet emergency kit.
Source: City of Vancouver
- Vet and vaccination records in resealable plastic bags, including contact information for your veterinarian
- Up to two weeks’ worth of medication, if needed
- Pet first aid kit
- Pet food (if you use wet food, make sure you have pop-up cans or a manual can opener)
- Water
- Non-spill food and water bowls
- Extra collar and leash
- Blankets, toys, treats
- Cage, carrier or kennel
- Paper towels, disinfectant, plastic bags for waste disposal
- Cat litter
