Things to Have in Your Home in Case of an Emergency

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In This Article

By: Zoocasa

Emergencies can happen at any time and it’s imperative to be prepared in order to take on whatever life may throw at you. Whether it be a natural disaster that requires you to remain in your home, or an emergency that calls for an evacuation, having home emergency kits can help to reduce panic knowing that you are somewhat prepared.

Zoocasa has come up with a list of things you should have in your home in case of an emergency to help put your mind at ease. 

What to Have for Stay-at-Home Emergencies

In the event of an emergency that requires you to take cover in the safety of your own home, it’s important to have a kit ready that can accommodate your household needs for however long you may need it.

While it is evident that you cannot fully plan or be aware of how long you’re going to need supplies, a good rule of thumb is to plan for up to two weeks to be safe.

To start your home emergency kit, begin by getting a bin to hold all of your supplies together in one convenient place. Food and water are the first things you should gather as they are the basic necessities. While water does not expire, the expiration date set on water bottles indicate the date in which the chemicals from the actual plastic bottle may begin to seep into the liquid. Remember to change out your emergency supply of water every couple of years if they are not being used. In terms of food, non-perishable and easy to prepare items are the way to go as you never know if you will have access to your stove or microwave.

The rest of your bin should include items that will be useful in case everyday appliances and utilities are disabled. A battery powered flashlight and a radio are the most common things to have prepared for an emergency. The radio will come in handy for any local updates that you need to know should a power outage cut your ability to watch cable television. Portable chargers will also be helpful should the power go out.

Other safety items such as a multi-tool, family first aid kit, sanitary and personal hygiene products as well as any medication for illnesses and maintenance should be included as well.

What to Take With You for an Emergency Evacuation

If you find yourself in a situation in which you need to flee your home, it is equally as important to have emergency to-go packs ready whenever a crisis may hit. As you will be on-the-go, these packs will have to be lighter and therefore must be packed more efficiently. While it isn’t feasible to carry around as much food and water as you would if you were staying home, remember to store about 3 days’ worth of food and water for each member of the household.

As with the stay-at-home emergency kits, the rest of your to-go pack should include a flashlight, first aid kit, medication, as well as sanitary and personal hygiene products. In addition, bringing extra cash and any important documents, or having copies of these, is heavily advised in the case of being unable to return to your home.

Assess Your Needs

The items listed above are the absolute basics needed in case of an emergency. Each household is going to have different needs and so it is up to you to recognize what those needs are. For example, if you currently have a baby at home, making sure there is a supply of baby formula and diapers available would be recommended. Similarly, if you have a pet, having an extra bag of their food and/or litter should be added to your kits, if possible.

If you are currently on the hunt for Toronto houses, consider preparing the emergency packs mentioned above for your new home. Likewise, if you are finally getting around to adding an emergency kit to your current home, take note of the recommendations above to do so as well. Being prepared for an emergency can alleviate some stress when they occur and will help to ensure your safety in a time of panic and uncertainty.

Another asset to have in dire times of need is critical illness insurance/ It may not apply to everyone, but it is important nonetheless. To find out if crtiical illness insurance is for you, you need to look at what illnesses are covered by critical illness insurance. If any of them apply to you, you may need this coverage in case of an emergency.


Due to the unpredictable nature of emergencies, it is important to set yourself up in case of a crisis. Life insurance can serve as a financial safety net in the event that the breadwinner of the home becomes impaired in any capacity. With the right life insurance policy, you can ensure that your loved ones are protected and have access to funds to cover expenses such as funeral costs, medical bills, and outstanding debts, making it important to find the best life insurance policy in Canada.

Critical incidents requiring urgent attention are common amongst elderly. Thus, life insurance for seniors over 65 canada is an example of an intangible emergency requirement.

We would also recommend getting a joint term life insurance policy especially if you have children in your home as it ensures there is a payout irrespective of who passes away.

It's important to consider investing in financial protection such as no medical life insurance Ontario. This type of insurance can provide coverage without requiring a medical exam, which can be convenient for those who may have difficulty obtaining traditional life insurance.


Visit PolicyMe to find rates for term life insurance that can help keep your family safe. Use PolicyMe to find some of the best insurance policies in Canada. We also recommend comparing insurance quotes online to ensure you're getting the best prices on the coverage that you need. Use our insurance rates calculator to get a rate that works for you.

About Zoocasa

Zoocasa is a full-service brokerage that offers advanced online search tools to empower Canadians with the data and expertise they need to make more successful real estate decisions. View real estate listings at zoocasa.com or download their free iOS app.

Penelope Graham

About the Author

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