Build an emergency kit

Learn what to include in an emergency kit to sustain you and your household for unexpected situations.

Overview

An emergency kit is a container with essential supplies to keep your household and pets safe and comfortable for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days). Kits should reflect the unique needs of your household. Each household member could have their own kit, or you can build shared kits. Kits help you to leave quickly if an evacuation order is issued, so make sure kits are stored in an easily accessible space known by all household members.

Keeping emergency kits stocked is one thing you can do to help your household better manage disruptions, big or small.

Checklists and translations

Use the following checklists to build specific emergency kits. Translated versions are also available in українською (Ukrainian), عربي (Arabic), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Deutsch (High German), Plautdietsch (Low German), Español (Spanish), Français (French) and Tagalog (Tagalog).

Emergency kit alternatives 

  • Grab and go list

    Preparedness is built over time through small steps. If building a kit feels overwhelming, start small by creating a grab-and-go list of items your household would need if you had to leave home unexpectedly for an unknown period of time.

    The situation may leave little time to think about what you need or want to take, especially if your property is at risk of being damaged while you're gone. Emergencies can be stressful, often causing confusion or brain fog. It can be overwhelming if you're alone when an emergency occurs and are responsible for gathering everyone’s essential items. This list will help keep your household on track ensuring the most important items are grabbed.  
    Consider items like: 

    • Portable phone charger, charging blocks, charging cords
    • Cash
    • Water and snacks
    • Change of clothes
    • Laptop
    • External hard drive
    • Photo albums, family heirlooms, mementos and ceremonial items (e.g., non-replaceable items)
    • Keys (safety deposit box and others)
  • Mini kit

    Carrying a small kit with everyday essentials you don’t want to leave home without can help you be prepared for many situations. 

    Items to consider include:

    • Small amount of cash
    • Hand sanitizer and extra non-medical mask
    • Bus tickets
    • Package of wipes/tissue/personal hygiene items
    • Painkiller and back-up medication
    • Back-up pair of glasses/contact lenses and solution
    • Paper and pen
    • Important phone numbers

Additional items for kits 

  • Important documents

    Keep important documents accessible, create a hard copy, a USB back-up, or a secure online storage service. Store hardcopies in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet or fireproof safe.   
    Documents to consider:

    • files, photos
    • Passports
    • Birth certificates
    • Marriage certificates
    • Status card
    • Insurance policies/certificates
    • Educational records
    • Bank account numbers
    • Household inventory records
    • Wills and powers of attorney
    • Credit card numbers and contacts
    • Pet registration, photo, vet name, and medical information
    • Warranties
    • Social insurance numbers
    • Driver’s license numbers
    • Immunization and medical records
    • Income tax returns
    • Recent photos of family members
    • Health care numbers
    • Service provider account numbers (e.g. Utility provider and account number) 

    Preparedness is personal. Ensure the grab and go list is easily accessible and meets the needs of all household members.

  • Emergency contact card template

Videos on building a kit 

Why should you have an emergency kit?

Having an emergency kit is one step to being more prepared.

Emergency kit supplies

What goes in your emergency kit?

Start building your emergency kit with these basic supplies.

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]