Food: 3 day - 1 week supply of non-perishable food items PER PERSON and PER PET.

​

**A manual can opener**

​

Water: 4 litres per day PER PERSON. Don't forget to pack for your pet (30ml per kg of body weight)

​

**A water filtration device is a good add on**

This will vary from person to person but remember that these are essential items. Things like a toothbrush, toothpaste, a bar of soap, a washcloth, sanitizer, and sunscreen are always useful. 

A battery operated or hand crank flashlight and lots of extra batteries. If you have a family, more than one flashlight will be useful. 

​

Pack a whistle. Remember Titanic - Rose was rescued b/c she had a whistle and b/c she wouldn't let Jack on the door but that is an argument for another day. 

You can buy a pre-built first aid kit or you can build it yourself. Make sure that it is in a waterproof container and is adequately supplied. If you don't know what to put in it, google a level 2 first aid kit and follow those recommendations. 

​

Know where AEDs are in your community an if you don't know how to use one, take a first aid course. 

Battery operated or hand crank radio, power banks that are charged (schedule a time to check your charge weekly) and other chargers for items you plan to take. 

​

It is hard to imagine limited access to information but that may be a real thing so ensure that you have a method to be kept updated. 

You never know when an emergency will hit. It is important to have adequate clothing for all types of weather in your kit. This includes a coat and weather approprate shoes. 

​

You aren't packing for a vacation so you don't need a lot, you need versatile clothing that will help you survive regardless of the weather. 

You need at least a one week supply of medications. An extra set of glasses and a supply of contact lenses. If you have hearing aids, ensure that you have an extra set in your kit. 

​

You may want to pack an epi-pen if you have allergies and any nutritional supplements that you take. 

Always pack a copy of your emergency plan and emergency contact numbers in your kit. 

​

Other documents may include copies of your identification, passports, insurance documents, banking information and anything else you think you may need. 

We live in Victoria - it is going to get cold. You can pack an emergency blanket which is a great idea. You can also pack a sleeping bag and/or blanket. Try to find one that is space efficient that will provide you with warmth if needed. Packing this externally to your kit will be the most convenient if you can attach it without having to stuff it in the kit proper. 

I know it is very weird to think that the time may come where you can't use a credit card or your Google wallet but it could. 

​

In an emergency, cash is king. I know it may be tough to find a couple hundred dollars of expendable money to put in an emergency kit but if you can, it will really help you should an emergency occur. Always try to have cash on hand.