Preparing for a heatwave

What matters most

• Drinking water Essential
  3 litres per person per day for drinking is the commonly recommended amount.
• Essential medication Essential
  A supply of any medication your household relies on.
• Emergency contacts Essential
  Important numbers saved where you can reach them without the internet.
• First aid kit Essential
  A stocked first aid kit that everyone knows where to find.
• Water for pets Essential
  An estimate based on each pet's species and size.
• Plan for medication that needs a fridge Essential
  Know how you'd keep it cool during a power outage.

What official guidance in Canada says

• Keep an eye on local forecasts and heat alerts so you know when to take extra care.¹
• Find an air-conditioned place nearby where you can cool down on very hot days.¹
• Arrange for family, friends or neighbours to drop in regularly during very hot days.¹
• Drink plenty of water, and start before you feel thirsty.¹
• Keep the sun out during the day by closing curtains, blinds or awnings.¹

Stay safe

Water and food for a few days

For two adults, SupKit's figures for 3 days are:

Long-life food that suits a heatwave

Each of these keeps without a fridge and doesn't need the fridge once opened:

• Canned chili
• Canned soup
• Baked beans
• Microwave rice pouch
• Canned tuna
• Crackers
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Granola bars
• Canned fruit

Allergies, dietary needs and children

Plan around everyone at home: allergies, intolerances and diets come first, and familiar food matters most for children. Recipes vary between brands, so always read the label of the product you buy.

Typical allergens and diets are SupKit's guide to the main ingredient, not a product's label.

• Canada names 11 priority allergens: eggs, milk, mustard, peanuts, crustaceans and molluscs, fish, sesame, soy, sulphites, tree nuts, and wheat and triticale.²
• Packaged foods must declare priority allergens and gluten sources by plain source names in the ingredient list, a 'Contains' statement, or both.³
• Companies may add a 'May contain' warning for possible cross-contamination; it is not a substitute for good manufacturing practices.³

Young children

• Health Canada says peanuts and other nuts, seeds, popcorn and hard candies are not safe for children under four.⁴
• Never give any kind of honey to babies under one, including in food, water, formula or on a soother.⁵
• Prepare food for young children with little or no added salt or sugar.⁴