By Kayleigh Montgomery, Canadian Red Cross Digital Volunteer
Over the years, preparing for cuts, fractures and other emergencies hasn’t seen much change. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has us looking at response in a new light. By adding a few extra supplies to your emergency kit, you can safely respond during an emergency.
Adapt Your Kit 
Consider adding the following items to protect yourself or others from germ spread during an emergency.
Quantity varies based on number of people in household
- Mask
- Hand sanitizer
- Sanitizer wipes
- Gloves
- Individual water bottles
- Non-perishable food (consider individual food portions to decrease cross-contamination) and manual can opener if cans are included.
Weather-proof Your Kit
Rain or shine, hot or cold, Canadian weather has a temper. Prepare for extreme heat or cold with a few added items.
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Rain jacket
- Warm clothes
Restock your Kit
Double check that all of the listed items are in your kit and restock where needed.
Take care of documents with personal information in case your kit falls into the wrong hands.
- Special needs such as medications, baby needs, extra glasses, etc.
- Important family documents (i.e. copies of birth and marriage certificates, passports, licenses, wills, land deeds and insurance)
- A copy of your emergency plan
- Crank or battery-operated flashlight, with extra batteries
- Battery-operated or crank radio
- Matches or a lighter
- Extra keys, for your house and car
- First aid kit
- Extra cash
- Personal hygiene items
- Pet food and pet medication
- Cell phone with extra charger or battery pack
Take your emergency kit to the next level by adding
these additional items or preparing a vehicle emergency preparedness kit.
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