So, you’ve probably seen reports in recent weeks about various countries encouraging residents to stock up on enough food and other essentials to last at least 72 hours during an emergency. The warnings are meant to help people prep for disruptions caused by everything from severe weather to cyberattacks (and the campaigns have also led to a slew of online debates about why governments are suddenly talking about emergency supplies).
In Canada, though, this is nothing new. Public Safety Canada has long advised residents to be prepared to go at least three days without running water or electricity. Still super useful for Torontonians, especially as unpredictable winter weather approaches.
According to the City of Toronto’s emergency preparedness guidelines, households should have at least three days’ worth of water and ready-to-eat food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration/electricity.
Here are some essentials to consider (you don’t have to buy everything all at once, à la the great toilet paper panic of 2020, just pick up a few things at a time):
- Water: The city recommends four litres per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene. That’s 12 litres for one person over three days, or 24 litres for a household of two. Remember to set aside additional water for pets.
- Non-perishable food. Basically, any food you can eat without cooking, like crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts and peanut butter. For plant-based options, consider canned beans or chickpeas. Canned tuna, salmon or sardines are perfect for fish eaters.
- A manual can opener.
- Flashlights and batteries. Just keep them somewhere easy to find so you’re not searching through drawers in the dark.
- Tea lights/candles and a lighter.
- A portable phone charger (a solar charger is a great option, too).
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio. They’re pretty useful for following emergency updates in case internet or cell service becomes unreliable.
- First-aid supplies and medication (think first-aid kit, copies of prescriptions and essential medications). Have a week’s supply of critical meds if possible.
- Personal essentials, e.g., toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, warm clothing, blankets and garbage bags.
- Essentials for toddlers/kids, including diapers, formula and non-electronic games.
- Activity books/games for adults.
- Cash (preferably in small bills).
- Supplies for pets: Don’t forget your four-legged friend! Have extra pet food, bowls and any necessary meds on hand.
- A lightweight grab-and-go bag. Keep important items and documents in here, including emergency contacts, medication and a few essentials in case you need to leave home.
If the electricity goes out, keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible. According to Health Canada, an unopened fridge can keep food cold for about four hours, and a full freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours.
You can find the City of Toronto’s full emergency preparedness recommendations here and Toronto Hydro’s emergency kit checklist here.