People always ask about emergency kits.  What to put in them and how long to plan for are the most common questions.  It is usually recommended that people plan for 72 hours.  Here in the Alberni Valley where we are a little more isolated, five to seven days should be considered.  Emergency kits are personal and the decision of what goes into one depends on where you live (in the City or in a rural area, house, apartment, trailer), the likes and dislikes of your family, the age of your children, and your health.  For these reasons, I usually suggest that people develop their own kits rather than purchase the ready-made ones that can be expensive and will still need personal items added to them.
It can seem an overwhelming task to come up with enough supplies to see your family through several days in terms of both time and expense.  When you think about what you already have in your home, you might be surprised at what you already have on hand.  Canned goods such as soup, beans, vegetables, fish and stews are a staple in many pantries.  If you have any of these, you will also have a can opener!   Most homes have a flashlight.  Take a minute to remember where it is and when you last changed the batteries.  Personal items such as medications and toiletries, and pet foods are usually restocked before they run out as well.  A first aid kit is important at any time.
A supply of water might be something to start with.  Large milk, pop and juice containers can be washed and sterilized, and filled with water.  Two litres per person per day is recommended.  Storage can be a challenge in some homes but take a look in closets, basements, cupboards and garages for unexpected space.  Stored water should be changed every six months.  Replacing water can be done at the same time we change the clock to ensure you remember.  (Smoke detector batteries should be changed now as well.)
In an emergency, you will want to know what is going on.  A power outage means our usual ways of getting information will not be available.  A battery operated radio tuned to 93.3 the Peak will help you know what is going on locally.  The Peak is a very important part of the Alberni Valley Emergency Plan and will be a source for accurate information during a disaster. 
If you were faced with a power outage, water supply interruption, severe weather or other event where you had to stay home for several days, having the above items in your home will enable you to get through the emergency with confidence.  There are many things that can be added to your emergency kit to further your ability to be self sufficient.  Items such as a camp stove, basic tools, a fixed phone (landline) and some cash are some of them.  For a detailed list of emergency supplies go to acrd.bc.ca under "emergency planning".  The brochure "52 Weeks to Being Emergency Prepared" is a great guide to getting started with your emergency kit.