Grab and Go Kit

You never know when an emergency will hit, perhaps forcing you and your family from your home. Are you ready to go on a moments notice?

Emergency Social Services officials in the Central Okanagan suggest you prepare an emergency kit that you can simply grab and go, containing materials and belongings that will help you get through the initial hours after a disaster, or until its once again safe for you to go home.

Here are some suggestions as to what could be included in your kit:

• A small first aid kit & first aid manual
• Fire Extinguisher (Type A, B and C fires)
• Flashlight & batteries
• Portable AM/FM radio & batteries
• Cash and coins
• Medications (if required), eyeglasses
• Waterproof matches & candles
• Food (dried fruit & soup, crackers, freeze dried/foil pouch products)
• A three day supply of water (four litres per person per day)
• A blanket and warm, protective clothing
• Sturdy, flat comfortable shoes
• Toilet tissue and other personal care items (ie. toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary supplies)
• Whistle, pocket knife
• Heavy Gloves
• Flares (for the car)
• Small tool kit (for the car)
• Local maps
• If you have a pet, don't forget a three day supply of food

If you are given notice of an impending evacuation, you may wish to expand this to include items that cant be replaced such as photographic negatives or photos, special papers (insurance, medical records, records of your possessions) and family heirlooms.

You can find more information about preparing for emergencies on the Are You Prepared? page, along with links to the BC Provincial Emergency Program and the Federal program provided through the Public Safety Canada website.