Canada's 72-hour emergency kit list
The Government of Canada asks you to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Its emergency kit checklist on canada.ca starts with two litres of water per person per day. Here is the whole list, section by section, with the water your household needs.
72 hours, in the government's words
The Emergency kits page on canada.ca opens with it: "Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours." You may have to get by without power or tap water.
The checklist, updated 30 April 2026, is more specific: "Think about items they would need to stay safe and comfortable for at least 3 days (72 hours), whether you need to evacuate or shelter in place." Both pages read on 11 November 2026. The old getprepared.gc.ca address now opens the same Get Prepared section.
Keep the kit easy to carry and tell everyone at home where it is. The government suggests a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels, somewhere such as the front-hall closet.
The basic kit
The checklist calls these the emergency essentials.
- Water: stored or bottled, two litres per person per day for drinking, cooking and hygiene.
- Non-perishable food: canned food, energy bars, dried foods. Replace it once a year.
- A manual can opener.
- A wind-up or battery-powered flashlight, and a wind-up or battery-powered radio.
- Extra batteries and battery packs.
- A first aid kit with adhesive bandages, tape, gauze, antiseptic wound cleanser and disposable gloves.
- Extra keys for your car and house.
- Cash in smaller bills and coins.
- A mobile phone charger and power bank.
- Tissue paper, toilet paper and paper towels.
Water for 72 hours, by household
People times three days.
| People | At 2 L a day (checklist) | At 4 L a day (video) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 L | 12 L |
| 2 | 12 L | 24 L |
| 3 | 18 L | 36 L |
| 4 | 24 L | 48 L |
| 5 | 30 L | 60 L |
| 6 | 36 L | 72 L |
Multiplied from the two canada.ca figures. The water calculator adds pets and hot weather for your home.
Papers, and what your people need
| What to keep | Items |
|---|---|
| Important documents | Physical and digital copies of: ID for each person: birth and marriage certificates, passports, citizenship papers; Your emergency plan, with contact information; Every medication, its dose and what it is for; Doctors, health care and shelter supports; Medical insurance and your provincial or territorial health number; Home, renters and vehicle insurance; Banking information and records; Next of kin |
| Medical and personal items | Added for the people in your home: Toiletries and hygiene items, menstrual supplies included; Pet food, water and medication; Infant formula, baby food and wipes; Prescription medications and medical equipment; Eyeglasses and contact lens solution; Sunscreen and bug spray |
When the basics are done
For specific hazards, or an emergency that runs longer than 72 hours:
- N95 or surgical masks.
- Water purifying tablets, or more stored water for cooking and cleaning.
- Basic tools: hammer, screwdrivers, gloves, pocket knife.
- A small fuel-operated stove and fuel. Never use it inside buildings, tents or other closed spaces.
- Hand sanitizer and garbage bags.
- A whistle.
- Candles with waterproof matches or a lighter, stored safely.
- Pen and paper.
- Duct tape, scissors and plastic sheeting.
A grab-and-go bag for each person
Essentials from the basic kit in a bag you can carry out the door, plus:
- Local maps.
- A change of clothing and footwear.
- A sleeping bag or warm blanket.
- Utensils, plates and cups.
- A small multi-tool with a screwdriver and scissors.
- Books, puzzles or toys for children.
The emergency car kit
If you drive, this one lives in the vehicle.
| In the car | Note |
|---|---|
| Food that won't spoil | Energy bars, for example |
| Water in plastic bottles | Plastic won't break if it freezes. Change it every six months. |
| Blanket, extra clothing and shoes | |
| First aid kit | With a seatbelt cutter |
| Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush | |
| Candle in a deep can, and matches | |
| Wind-up flashlight | |
| Whistle | To attract attention |
| Roadmaps | |
| Copy of your emergency plan and personal documents | |
| In the trunk: sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter | |
| In the trunk: antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, tow rope, jumper cables | |
| In the trunk: fire extinguisher, warning light or road flares |
Source: Government of Canada, Emergency car kit.
Keeping it current
The checklist ties it to the clock: use the time change in spring and fall to swap or update supplies, and check the dates on food, water, medication, insurance, credit cards and ID.
Store things in clear plastic bags or containers so you can see what is inside. In spring, add a rain jacket, sunscreen, bug spray and a fan; in fall, warm clothing, heat packs, gloves, ice grippers and a portable shovel.
Questions people ask
How long should a kit last in Canada?
At least 72 hours, which is 3 days, whether you leave home or shelter in place.
How much water for 72 hours?
At the checklist's 2 litres a day, 6 litres per person. The video on the Emergency kits page says about 4 litres a day, which makes 12.
Does my province have its own list?
The federal checklist tells you to check with your local, provincial or territorial government for anything else to include. People in remote areas may need extra items.
Can I buy a ready-made kit?
Yes. The government says kits are sold online and in stores across Canada, and asks you to add the personal items your household needs.
Which number do I call in an emergency?
9-1-1, when someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help. For general federal information, 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).
72 hours, one box at a time
The 72-hour checklist lets you tick off a kit like this one at home. The Fallback72 book puts water, heat, light, food that keeps and first aid on paper that works when the power is out: join the list to hear the launch date first.
Read next
Sources
- Government of Canada: Emergency kits The 72-hour figure, where to keep the kit, the 4-litre video.
- Government of Canada: Emergency kit checklist Updated 30 April 2026.
- Government of Canada: Emergency car kit
- Government of Canada: Prepare children for emergencies When to call 9-1-1.