72-Hour Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Families

Start with water and food

Store at least 2 litres of water per person per day for drinking and basic needs, following the current Canadian emergency kit checklist. Consider extra water for cooking, cleaning, pets and hot weather.

Keep non-perishable meals and snacks that your household will actually eat. Include a manual can opener and account for allergies, infants and dietary requirements.

For a household of four, the 2-litre baseline means at least 24 litres for three days; that is a starting point rather than a universal maximum.

Pack the items you'll need in the dark

Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlights, a radio, spare batteries and charged power banks are essential starting points.

Gather a basic first-aid kit, essential prescribed medicines, personal hygiene supplies, warm layers, blankets, sturdy footwear and supplies for infants or pets.

Keep a small amount of cash and spare keys in an accessible, secure place.

Make an emergency communication plan

Write down important phone numbers, meeting places, local emergency contacts and evacuation routes. Printed copies matter if your phone battery dies.

Keep copies of key documents in a waterproof envelope. Protect sensitive digital copies with encryption and secure backups.

Choose an accessible storage location and make sure everyone knows how to find the kit.

Test, maintain and adapt

Check expiry dates, charge power banks and review supplies at least twice a year. Tailor the kit for mobility needs, medications and local hazards.

Practice finding a flashlight and your emergency plan without relying on the internet. A printed checklist is a useful backup.