Are you ready if you need to leave in a hurry?
Unfortunately, wildfires cause residents in BC to be evacuated from their homes every year, and it can be an incredibly disorienting experience for people.
To help decrease stress levels during wildfire season, it can be beneficial to avoid the last-minute scramble and prepare both an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag ahead of time.
What’s in an emergency kit?
An emergency kit includes essential supplies that a person would need for a minimum of 72 hours.
It’s recommended that this supplies is put into one or two containers, such as plastic bins or duffel bags, and the kit should be stored in an area of your home that’s easily accessible.
Items to put in an emergency kit include:
- Non-perishable food to last three to seven days
- A manual can opener
- Four litres of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
- A phone charger or power bank
- A battery-powered radio
- A battery-powered flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit and medications
- Personal toiletries and items, such as contact lenses
- A copy of your emergency plan
- A copy of any important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
- Cash
- Garbage bags and moist towelettes for personal sanitation
- Seasonal clothing and sturdy footwear
- An emergency blanket
- Dust masks
- A whistle
Individuals with babies and pets should also include supplies for them, such as baby formula, diapers, pet food, and cat litter or dog bags. Additionally, pets need approximately 30 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight per day.
What’s in a grab-and-go bag?
A grab-and-go bag is a smaller version of an emergency kit for your home, workplace, or vehicle that includes essential supplies that a person would need for less than 72 hours.
These bags should include:
- Food and water
- A phone charger or battery bank
- A small battery-powered radio
- A battery-powered flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Small first-aid kit and personal medications
- Personal toiletries and items, such as contact lenses
- A copy of your emergency plan
- A copy of any important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
- Cash
- A local map with an identified family meeting place
- Seasonal clothing and footwear
- An emergency blanket
- A pen and notepad
- A whistle
More information about building an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag can be found on the Government of BC website.
For anyone wanting assistance, SparkProof can help develop a personalized emergency evacuation plan and checklist to ensure you have what you need in the heat of the moment.
With SparkProof’s experience in safety management, their professionals can also assist with assembling a list of crucial numbers for insurers and emergency organizations, maps with evacuation routes, and places to seek shelter.
Get prepared by contacting SparkProof today.