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Part of Emergency preparedness

Prepare your emergency supplies

Learn how to prepare emergency supplies that help you and your loved ones stay safe during an emergency.

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Prepare your emergency supplies

Introduction

Emergencies and disasters can happen with little warning and disrupt access to everyday services like power, water and communication systems. You may need to stay where you are to shelter in place or leave quickly to evacuate. Preparing your emergency supplies in advance helps you stay safe, reduce stress, and ensure the needs of everyone in your household, including pets, are met during a disruption.

Learn the difference between gathering supplies for sheltering in place and building an emergency kit for evacuating. 
Learn the difference

Managing supplies 

Alberta's hazards are seasonal, so it is important that your emergency supplies are updated accordingly. Here are some tips to help:

  • Gather supplies and build emergency kits on a budget

    • look around your home for items not being used such as a backpack (perfect for a kit), snacks and other pantry items (non-perishable) and clothes
    • gradually build your supplies begin with a flat of water
    • look for sales on higher-cost items like backup power banks
    • check thrift stores for a manual can opener or other affordable essentials
    • rotate items out of your emergency supplies and into your pantry if they near expiration remember to replace what you removed

  • Stay organized reduce preparation time

    When packing supplies and kits, keep similar items packaged together in clear plastic bags. This makes it easy to see what’s inside, spot anything that’s spoiled or broken, and helps protect other items, like important documents, from damage. 

  • Use the time change in spring and fall to swap supplies

    • check expiries on medications, insurance, credit cards, identification
    • spring/summer: rain jacket or poncho, umbrella, bug spray, waterproof footwear, light clothing, sunscreen, hats, fan, water
    • fall/winter: warm clothing, heat packs, candle/lighter, extra batteries, gloves, socks, ice grippers, portable shovel, heat packs, blankets

  • Preparedness is personal, your supplies should be too

    • If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have infant children consider feeding items like formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, extra clothes, ointments, and medications
    • If you have mobility needs, consider what additional supplies you would need. For example, if you use a wheelchair include supplies like a tire patch kit to repair tires, inner tubes, heavy gloves (hand protection), spare deep-cycle battery for motorized wheelchair/scooter or a back up manual wheelchair.
    • If you have severe allergies, dietary restrictions, chronic medical conditions or other medical needs, consider what additional supplies you would need. For example, if you have diabetes include supplies like extra supply of insulin including ice packs/thermal bag to store insulin, pump supplies, syringes and needles including a container for disposal, insulin pens, glucose testing kit and fast acting sugar to combat low blood glucose. 

    Talk to your health care provider for advice on how to prepare to meet your personal needs during an emergency.
     

  • After an emergency

    Restock emergencies supplies/add new supplies and recharge devices, power banks and batteries.

    Reflect on your experience and consider what you can do now, in the next few months and in the coming years that will help you navigate future disruptions more safely. 

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