What to pack in an emergency kit

Building an emergency kit The City’s Carolyn Charbonneau helps build an emergency kit to use in the event of a disaster on CTV Morning Live

The evacuation of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac on Saturday night showed the necessity of having an emergency kit at home.

People who lived more than half a kilometre or more from the shores of the Lake of Two Mountains had to abandon their homes on a moment's notice when water breached a dike and flooded an entire neighbourhood.

Public Security officials have long encouraged Canadians to prepare emergency kits, although surveys consistently show that only half of citizens are prepared.

In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, people should expect to be on their own for at least 72 hours.

Urgence Quebec and the Public Security Ministry recommend people have the following items with them in their home.

Others have recommended people stash away a substantial amount of cash, as well as a battery charger for cell phones.

Photocopies of any documents that would be useful to have on hand (for each member of your family) including: