The 72-hour Survival Guide: Be Ready for Emergencies
Faced with an emergency, could you survive for 72 hours? That’s the amount of time experts recommend you be self-sufficient in case emergency workers can’t reach you or restore essential services like power, water, or communications.
From ice storms to floods, tornadoes, and blizzards, one thing is clear: you may be on your own for a while.
🗓️ Emergency Preparedness Week
Each year, Public Safety Canada highlights the importance of being ready. This year's theme for Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5 to 10) is:
Be Prepared. Know the Risks.
The federal government urges all Canadians to understand the hazards specific to their region.
✅ Step 1: Know the Risks
Different disasters bring different dangers — and the more you know, the better you can plan.
📍 What to consider:
- Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, heatwaves, and severe storms
- Human-made events like industrial spills or transportation accidents
- Extended power outages or communication blackouts
➡️ Download brochures and specific risk guides from GetPrepared.ca
✅Step 2: Make an Emergency Plan (Just 20 Minutes!)
Got 20 minutes? That’s all it takes to create a simple, effective emergency plan.
Why it matters:
- You might not be with your loved ones when disaster strikes.
- A plan helps you stay calm, stay connected, and safe.
Include all household members: seniors, children, pets , and anyone with medical needs.
Keep your plan:
- Printed and stored in an easy-to-find spot
- On your phone and computer
👉 Create your plan online at GetPrepared.ca
✅Step 3: Build Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit
According to Ontario Hydro, 87% of Ontarians don't have a complete kit. Are you one of them?
What to include (minimum 72-hour supply):
- Windup or battery-powered flashlight
- Windup or battery-powered radio
- Portable charger (power bank)
- 2 litres of water per person per day
- Non-perishable food (canned or dried)
- Manual can opener
- Extra batteries
- Cash (ATMs might be down)
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Candles & matches/lighter
- Emergency contact list
- First Aid kit
- Prescription meds & medical items
Additional Tips:
- Plug electronics into a surge protector
- Fully charge all phones & devices
- Sign up for emergency alerts via text/email
- Lower your fridge temp to 4°C (40°F) and freezer to -18°C (0°F) to protect your food. Tip: a full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours; half full for about 24. An unopened fridge will keep food cold for about 4 hours. Throw away any food that’s been at room temperature for two or more hours.
- Have enough pet food and baby supplies on hand
- Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank and have extra fuel for portable generators in appropriate containers if safe
- NEVER touch electrical equipment that’s been exposed to water
The Canadian government lists additional items here to have on hand.
Real-Life Reminder: The 2025 Ice Storm
Think it can’t happen to you? Consider the recent March 2025 ice storm in Eastern Canada. It knocked out power to nearly 1 million Ontarians and restoration took as much as 144 hours (6 days) for some and others were still waiting!
Disasters don’t come with a warning — but you can be ready.
Final Thought: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
A well-stocked emergency kit, a family plan, and knowing your local risks can make all the difference.
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