Emergency Preparedness Week 2026 – Can You Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit? Emergency Preparedness Week May 3-9, 2026 Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, whether it’s severe weather, flooding, power outages, road closures, or evacuations. Having an emergency kit ready ahead of time can help your household stay safe and more comfortable during stressful situations. A basic 72-hour emergency kit should include:✔️ Bottled water✔️ Non-perishable food✔️ Flashlights and batteries✔️ First aid supplies✔️ A battery-powered or hand-crank radio✔️ Medications and personal items✔️ Important documents and emergency contacts✔️ Supplies for pets and children Emergency preparedness does not have to happen all at once. Even adding a few items at a time can make a big difference. As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, residents are encouraged to participate in the national Emergency Kit Challenge by sharing how they are preparing for emergencies. This could include: Building or updating an emergency kit Creating a household emergency plan Learning more about local hazards and risks Participants who complete the online challenge form will be entered into a national draw to win one of seven 4-person deluxe Canadian Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Kits. The kits include emergency supplies such as flashlight, a multifunction knife, waterproof matches, a personal first aid kit, food and water, and an emergency blanket that will help support you during the first 72 hours of an emergency. All items are carried in a nylon backpack. 🎮 Learn more and participate in the Emergency Kit Challenge here:https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/emergency-preparedness-week/challenge.html Preparedness starts with small steps, and taking action today can help protect you, your family, and your community during emergencies. 📘 Visit the Municipality’s Emergency Preparedness webpage to access preparedness resources, emergency planning information, and the Municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Guide.