Creating a 72-Hour Kit
I grew up in California and we had plenty of earthquakes. I remember one happening during the summertime and we were scared we might have to leave our house. Not far away the ground opened up and did lots of damage to the homes. In this situation and in other situations you might have to leave your house in a hurry. When you have to leave that fast a 72-hour kit can be a lifesaver. This is to provide you the basics for survival for 72 hours.
This is a suggested list of items to store in a 72-hour kit so a family can be prepared in case of an emergency. Each person in the house should have his or her own 72-hour kit. It should be located in a designated spot so each family member knows where it is located. Your 72-hour kit should be updated every six months (schedule it in your calendar/planer) to make sure that:
• All food, water and medication is fresh and not expired
• Clothing still fits
• Personal documents and credit cards are up to date
• Batteries are fresh and charged if necessary
Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time. Older Children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes. You can and should include any other items in your 72-Hour kit that you feel are necessary for your family’s survival. Suggested content for a 72-hour kit:
Food and Water: A 3-Day Supply
• Protein/Granola Bars
• Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
• Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
• Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc.…
• Canned Juice and Water
• Candy/Gum
Bedding and Clothing
• Change of clothing (short AND long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
• Undergarments
• Blankets, Emergency Heat Blankets or Sleeping bag
• Rain Coat/Poncho
Fuel and Light
• Battery Lighting (Flashlights and Headlamps)
• Extra batteries
• Emergency Flares
• Candles
• Water-Proof Matches
Equipment
• Can Opener
• Dishes/Utensils (paper plates preferred)
• Shovel
• AM/FM Radio with batteries
• Pen and Paper
• Pocket Knife (multi-function)
• Rope (9mm is a good size)
Personal Supplies and Medication
• First Aid Supplies
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc.)
• Immunizations up-to-date
• Prescription medication (for 3 days)
Personal Documents and Money: (stored in a water-proof container!)
• Copies of Legal documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc.)
• Insurance policies
• Cash and Credit Card
Miscellaneous
• Infant needs (if applicable)
• Bags(s) to put 72-Hour Kit items in. Make sure you can lift/carry it!
Remember that you need to be smart about a 72-hour kit. If you can’t easily carry it you probably won’t grab it on the way out the door. Children can’t carry as much as adults so if it too heavy you will be carrying theirs also. Look at your situation and make sure you prepare for it by having an appropriate 72-hour kit.
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