After a major disaster, the usual services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration and telephones may be unavailable.  Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days.  Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location.  Put contents in a large, watertight container (e.g. a large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels) that can move easily.

The basic emergency kit will help you get through the first 72 hours of an emergency, suggested items are as follows:
WATER - two liters of water per person per day
FOOD - that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember a can opener)
FIRST AID - kit along with instructions
WARM CLOTHES AND BLANKETS - don’t forget footwear and rain gear
FLASHLIGHT AND BATTERIES
GARBAGE BAGS AND BUCKETS
BASIC TOOLS - hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, etc.
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS - don’t forget the toilet paper
SPECIAL ITEMS - such as medication, infant formula, glasses, etc.
CANDLES AND MATCHES

In addiiton to the basic kit, we recommend you also have the following additional emergency supplies.  Then you will be well equipped for even the worst emergency situations.
TWO ADDITIONAL LITRES OF WATER per person per day
HAND SANITIZER
UTENSILS, CAN OPENER
HOUSEHOLD CHLORINE BLEACH
SMALL STOVE AND FUEL
DUCT TAPE
WHISTLE
RADIO (battery powered or wind-up)
CASH

 Don't have the time to make a kit?  You can buy an emergency kit online and in many stores in your area.  The Canadian Red Cross has a kit available at www.redcross.ca and the St. John's Ambulance and The Salvation Army have jointly prepared an emergency kit that is available at www.sja.ca.

 For more information please contact:
Shuswap Emergency Program
Direct Line: (250) 833-5927
Fax: (250) 832-1083
Email:  sep@csrd.bc.ca