What to pack during an emergency

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A major emergency can happen at any time so it's best to be prepared.

Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.

From wildfires to infectious disease outbreaks, here is what the Canadian Red Cross and the B.C. government recommend people take with them if they are thrust into potentially life-threatening situations.

You'll need to build or buy a disaster preparedness kit with enough food, water and supplies that can last for at least three days.

Have a bag or backpack ready in an easily accessible area of your home such as a hall closet, garage or spare room.

Here are some recommended essential items for your bag:

Check your emergency kit every year in case you need to replace supplies.

Other items you can consider packing:

Vehicle emergency preparedness kit

Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle, as well, in case an emergency happens and you get stuck in your car.

These are some recommended items to keep in your car along with your emergency kit:

Have you left your home or are you preparing to do so because of the wildfires? Do you have any advice on what to pack for emergencies? What did you bring and what do you wish you had brought? CTVNews.ca wants to hear from you.

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