Emergency Kits

For your home

These are basic items you will need. Make sure you have a supply that will last at least 72 hours for every member of your household.

  • flashlight
  • battery-operated or hand-crank radio
  • spare batteries (for flashlight and/or radio)
  • First Aid kit
  • candles and matches/lighter
  • extra car keys and cash
  • important papers (copies of identification, insurance policies)
  • non-perishable food and bottled water (as much as your family can manage to carry)
  • manual can opener
  • cutlery
  • scissors
  • clothing and footwear
  • blankets or sleeping bags
  • toilet paper and other personal hygiene items
  • prescription medication
  • spare eyeglasses and/or contacts
  • whistle (to attract attention)
  • playing cards (or other games/toys)
  • paper/pencils/pens
  • map of your community (for locating emergency shelters)
  • a copy of the Personal Emergency Preparedness Guide

For your car

Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Check your supplies twice a year and replace any contents that have expired or spoiled.

  • non-perishable food such as energy bars
  • water
  • blanket
  • First Aid kit
  • extra clothes and shoes/boots (change for warm or cold weather)
  • small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
  • survival candle
  • extra vehicle fluids
  • booster cables
  • flashlight and batteries
  • cell phone charger
  • emergency flares
  • highway help sign and road maps
  • whistle (to attract attention)
  • a copy of your emergency plan and personal documents
  • sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping)
  • tow rope

If you buy a pre-packaged vehicle emergency kit at your local hardware or automotive store, make sure the kit has everything you need for 72 hours.

Are you prepared for the first 72 hours?

Do you know the types of emergencies that could happen in Oakville? Are you prepared for the first 72 hours of an emergency?

Make an Emergency Plan

As a family, discuss the types of emergencies, what you need to do to prepare, what to do during an emergency/evacuation, and what roles and responsibilities each person will have. Practice your plan regularly.

Learn more about preparing an Emergency Plan.

Create an Emergency Kit

Make sure you have at least a 72-hour (three-day) supply of food, water and other essentials such as medications for every member of your household. Check your supplies twice a year and replace any contents that have expired or were removed for use.

Learn more about preparing an Emergency Kit.

Plan for special needs

People with special needs such as young children, elderly family members, persons with disabilities or persons with chronic illnesses require additional consideration in emergency preparedness planning.

Learn more about planning for special needs.

Plan for your pets

Don’t forget the needs of pets or service animals.

Learn more about preparing an emergency for your pets.