COVID-19 response

Do your best to prepare an emergency kit if you don’t already have one. Refrain from purchasing excess supplies during this time.

For more information visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.

Overview

Unexpected situations happen everyday. Having supplies is one thing you can do to help manage many situations.

There are many ways you and your family can become more prepared. You can build emergency kits to help you 'grab and go'. You can make sure you have enough supplies at home in case you have to take shelter for an extended period. In either case, your goal will be to have enough supplies to keep you and your family safe, warm and comfortable.

Below you will find emergency preparedness lists to help you and your family become more prepared. The items below will not apply to every situation or every person. You should personalize your kit supplies for your particular situation and needs.

Why should you have an emergency kit?

Emergency supplies

Table 1. Supplies for emergency kits and sheltering at home

  Sheltering at home
(minimum 14 days)		 Emergency kit
(minimum 72 hours)
Food
  • Canned goods like beans, soup and pasta
  • Dry pasta, beans, rice or other grains
  • Frozen foods such as fruit, vegetables, meat and meat alternatives
  • Snacks like granola or energy bars, dried fruit or trail mix
Water and liquids (4 litres, per person, per day)
  • Minimum 72 hour supply of water and electrolytes
Medical supplies
  • Adequate supply of any prescription drugs, such as heart medication, insulin for people with diabetes and inhalers for people with asthma
  • Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, cold medications, digestive aids and anti-nausea
  • Essential medical equipment with backup power
Critical records
  • Have a copy of all personal documents in a protective, sealable bag
  • Include identification, birth certificates, Social Insurance Numbers, critical medical records and prescriptions
First aid kit
  • Gauze, bandages, tape and antibacterial ointment
  • Antiseptic wipes and protective gloves
Sanitation supplies
  • Hand Sanitizer and wipes
  • Soaps and household cleaning supplies
  • Personal and feminine hygiene products
  • Trash bags
  • Tissues, toilet paper and paper towels
  • Portable cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer and trash bags
Other items
  • Enough emergency cash to cover up to 2 weeks of incidental expenses, if possible
  • Battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight, candles and matches or a lighter
  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Space heaters and extra blankets
  • Essential tools like a can opener or a multi-tool
  • Extra batteries for household items and medical equipment
  • Entertainment, such as board games, movies, podcasts and books
  • Enough emergency cash to cover up to 72 hours of incidental expenses, if possible
  • A multi-tool
  • Books and portable toys and games
  • Electronics with a vehicle charger
  • Extra blankets
  • Battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight, candles and matches or a lighter

You can also buy prepackaged basic kits, including car kits. Pre-purchased kits will need to be personalized for your specific situation. Visit Get Prepared for more information.

Checklists

Use the following checklists to build specific emergency kits:

What goes in your emergency kit?

Special items

Emergency supply requirements vary depending on your needs. You will need to decide which essential items to include.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have infant children you will want to include:

  • feeding items:
    • breastfeeding aides
    • formula
    • bottles
    • baby food
    • extra water
  • diapers, wipes and extra clothes
  • prenatal vitamins, ointments and medications for mom and child (over-the-counter and prescription)

Disabilities and special needs

If you have special needs you will want to include additional supports. For example, if you use a wheelchair you may want to include:

  • tire patch kit or can of seal-in-air product to repair flat tires on your wheelchair or scooter
  • supply of inner tubes
  • pair of heavy gloves to protect your hands while wheeling over glass or other sharp debris
  • latex-free gloves for anyone providing personal care to you
  • spare deep-cycle battery for a motorized wheelchair or scooter
  • a lightweight, manual wheelchair as a backup to a motorized wheelchair, if possible
  • spare catheters, if needed
  • your power outage backup plan

Allergies and chronic conditions

If you have severe allergies, chronic medical conditions or other medical needs, you will want to include the necessary supplies. For example, if you have diabetes you will want to include:

  • MedicAlert bracelet or identification
  • extra supply of insulin or oral agent
  • pump supplies, syringes, needles and insulin pens
  • small container for storing used syringes and/or needles
  • blood glucose testing kit, spare batteries and record book
  • supply of blood glucose and urine ketone testing strips and fast acting insulin for high blood glucose, if needed
  • fast acting sugar for low blood glucose
  • extra food to cover delayed meals
  • ice packs and thermal bag to store insulin
  • additional snacks to maintain blood glucose

Updating your supplies

Your kit should be updated every 6 months to ensure:

  • food and medications are not expired
  • the water is fresh
  • clothing still fits
  • personal documents and credit cards are up-to-date
  • batteries are charged

Use daylight savings as your reminder to update your emergency kits or add a twice-annual reminder to your phone or calendar.

You should also consider seasonal requirements when you update your kits.

In the spring include:

  • bug spray
  • sunscreen
  • hats
  • lighter clothing

In the fall include:

  • warm clothing
  • extra blankets

When packing your kits, dividing items into groups and packing them in plastic bags helps organize items and prevents leaks from melting, broken or spoiled items.

Contact

Connect with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-9000
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Alberta Emergency Management Agency
14515 122 Ave NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T5L 2W4

Related

Hazard preparedness

Make an emergency plan

Wireless public alerting

Alberta 911 program