An emergency kit to handle the unexpected at the cottage

3 minutes

There’s something magical about summers at the cottage. The quiet mornings, evening campfires, spontaneous swims… and sometimes, the little mishaps that crash the party. A power outage. A cut on your foot. A cooking fire that gets out of hand. A distress call that won’t go through. No one wants these things to happen, but it’s best to be prepared with a well-thought-out emergency kit.

The basics: An emergency kit

When you're miles from the nearest town, with no neighbours within shouting distance, help can take time to arrive. Don’t panic: plan ahead so you have enough to eat, drink, treat injuries, stay warm, see clearly and stay connected to the outside world for at least 3 days. Here are the fundamentals for your emergency kit.

Power and communication

When the power goes out or your cell signal is weak, it helps to have some tools for light, information... and to be found.

  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Extra batteries (AAA, AA, etc.)
  • Portable charger (power bank)
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Whistle (to signal your presence)
  • Paper maps of the area
  • Printed emergency contact list
  • Satellite phone or GPS device

Health and first aid

A poorly treated injury can quickly turn serious, especially far from a clinic or hospital. Be ready to handle minor accidents and wounds.

  • Complete first aid kit
  • Essential medications
  • Thermometer
  • Antiseptic cream and insect repellent
  • Tweezers and tick remover
  • Disposable gloves
  • Emergency blanket
  • Instant cold pack

Food and water

In an emergency, staying hydrated and keeping your energy up is crucial—even without a fridge.

  • Potable water: at least 2 litres per person, per day
  • Water purification tablets (optional)
  • Non-perishable food (canned goods, bars, dried fruit, etc.)
  • Manual can opener
  • Basic utensils, bowl and containers

Hygiene and sanitation

Even in the woods, a bit of cleanliness goes a long way, and prevents trouble.

  • Wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper
  • Heavy-duty garbage bags
  • Menstrual products
  • Protective masks (for smoke or dust)

Clothing and comfort

You never know when the weather might turn. Best to have a few extra items on hand.

  • Season-appropriate clothing (warm or light)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Spare socks and underwear
  • Shoes or boots
  • Blanket or sleeping bag

A practical reminder

Your kit should be easy to grab and carry. A sturdy, water-resistant backpack is ideal. For larger families, a plastic bin with handles and wheels works too—just keep it accessible (by the door or in the car).

Check your kit twice a year to keep it up to date. Replace expired items, adjust for the season (mittens in winter, bug spray in summer).

And make sure it meets everyone’s needs... kids, pets, and all!

If things get more serious...

Airmedic provides emergency pre-hospital transport, available day or night.

If needed, Airmedic can reach you where land-based help can’t. And for even more peace of mind, Beneva clients now get a 40% discount on all protection plans tailored to your needs. What a way to combine freedom, fresh air and added safety!

With a solid emergency kit and Beneva + Airmedic by your side, you can set off with peace of mind. Now that’s the real secret of a successful vacation.