Disaster Supplies - Are You Prepared to Protect Your Family?

Most families don’t have the disaster supplies they need to survive when facing a disaster.

Imagine the helplessness of explaining to your family why you didn’t prepare for the disaster that just struck. It’s a conversation no one wants to have, especially when it could have been avoided by taking simple steps to prepare.

Having adequate disaster supplies for disasters like earthquakes, fires, or floods can make all the difference to your family’s safety, survival, and yes, peace of mind. Yet, despite knowing the importance of preparedness, many of us let it slide down the endless list of priorities.

Why We Fail to Prepare

We’re all busy. Our lives are packed with appointments, commitments, and distractions. Unfortunately, disaster preparedness often falls to the bottom of the list—until it’s too late.

But preparing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be broken down into simple, actionable steps. Let’s start with one critical component of your family’s survival plan: Grab & Go Kits.

Why You Need a Grab & Go Kit

Picture this:

You’re jolted awake by your smoke alarm's piercing, shrill sound. Panic surges through your body as the realization hits: your home is on fire.

The smell of smoke fills your house. You know you only have minutes to grab your family and pets and escape to safety.

Your mind races: What do you take? Medications? Important documents? Supplies for your kids or pets? In this moment of chaos, the last thing you want is to scramble, unsure of what you need.

Without a Grab & Go Kit, this nightmare can become even more overwhelming. But with a Grab & Go Kit ready to grab as you evacuate, you can act quickly and confidently, knowing you have the essentials to keep your family safe.

What Is a Grab & Go Kit?

A Grab & Go Kit can have many different names, such as a Go Bag and a Disaster Kit. Still, it is a backpack filled with essential disaster supplies to sustain each family member during an evacuation. It’s not the same as a home disaster kit designed for staying put during an emergency. Grab & Go Kits are for short-term evacuations, like when you must flee due to a house fire, gas leak, or flood.

Each family member—including pets—needs their own Grab & Go Kit tailored to their specific needs.

What Should Be in Your Grab & Go Kit?

Your Grab & Go Kit should include:

• Water: Small bottles or pouches (enough for 24 hours).

• Food: Non-perishable snacks like granola bars or dried fruit.

• Clothing: A change of clothes and sturdy shoes.

• Medications: A supply for 3–7 days.

• Personal items: Eyeglasses, contact lenses, hygiene products.

• Essential documents: Copies of ID, insurance, and emergency contacts.

• Cash: In small bills, ATMs may not be accessible.

• First aid kit: For basic medical needs.

• Flashlight: With extra batteries.

• Radio: With extra batteries

• Cell phone charger

• Comfort items: Small toys or books for children and supplies for pets.

• Any other items your family may need

Take Action Today

Disaster preparedness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start building your family’s Grab & Go Kits now. A little preparation today can mean the difference between chaos and confidence during an emergency.

Protecting your family starts with a plan—and it starts today. Are you ready? Let me know your questions about Grab & Go Kits in the comments below!

Looking for more disaster preparedness tips? Take my online Disaster Preparedness 3-hour course. It will guide you step-by-step to ensure your family is ready for any emergency.

Meet Jackie Kloosterboer – Disaster Preparedness Expert

Jackie Kloosterboer is a renowned Emergency and Disaster Preparedness leader with over 30 years of frontline experience, witnessing the life-saving impact of preparedness firsthand. Her dedication shines through her work presenting Disaster Preparedness Workshops, teaching Emergency Support Services Responders, responding to disasters across BC, supporting evacuees, and leading Emergency Support Services (ESS) teams.

Jackie served a key role with the City of Vancouver for over twenty years. Her expertise has made her a sought-after resource for the media, which frequently rely on her insights to emphasize the importance of disaster readiness. Jackie is also the author of My Earthquake Preparedness Guide, a practical resource offering actionable tips for any disaster. In addition to her workshops and book, Jackie created Mom's Ultimate Disaster Plan, an online program that empowers families to safeguard their loved ones and confidently navigate emergencies.

Your family—and your pets—deserve to be safe. Let’s get prepared together!