72-hour kit
Every household should be able to look after itself for at least 72 hours. Tick items off as you gather them. Your ticks are saved in this browser only, and the page prints as a clean checklist.
Pigeon Lake REMA: 72-hour emergency kit checklist. pigeonlakeemergencyagency.ca
That is 2 litres for drinking and 2 for cooking and washing. For a household of four over 72 hours, that's 48 litres. Lakeside cabins on wells or cisterns lose water when the power goes out, so plan for it. Don't count on lake water: it isn't safe to drink without proper treatment, and never during a blue-green algae advisory.
Home kit
Keep this in an easy-to-carry bin or duffel near an exit.
Grab-and-go bag
A smaller bag for each person, ready to grab in under five minutes if you are told to leave.
Important documents
Keep copies in a waterproof bag in your kit, on an encrypted USB stick, or in secure cloud storage.
Vehicle kit
Alberta winters make this one important. Keep your tank at least half full during wildfire season and in cold weather.
Pets
If you have to leave, take your pets with you. Some reception centres can't house animals, so plan where they would stay.
Seasonal swaps
Check your kit twice a year. The time changes in March and November are a good reminder. Replace food and water, check batteries and swap seasonal items:
- Spring and summer: sunscreen, hats, bug spray, light clothing, extra water.
- Fall and winter: heat packs, extra layers, gloves and socks, ice grippers, a portable shovel.
Buying a ready-made kit
Pre-built kits are a good start, but they rarely include medication, documents, pet supplies or enough water. Add those yourself. See the Province's emergency kit checklist, plus the pet and vehicle checklists.