72 Hour Kits

72 Hour Kits:
This is a very big topic and there is no right way or wrong way to assemble your 72 hour kit. Do note that as your family and needs change yearly, your kit needs to be updated also! This includes the addition of people in your house, addition of animals also!

This is info that was complied in 2005.

If you have not yet put together your 72 hour kit this will be the month to start or go through it and see what else you may need to add.  

The objective of the family 72 hour kit is to have, previously assembled and place in one location, all of those essential items you and your family will need during a 72 hour period following an emergency. When an emergency occurs you will probably not have the luxury of going around the house gathering up needed items, especially if you have to evacuate your home on short notice.

In time of need it is too late to gather the needed supplies. Take time now to gather what ever your family needs to survive for 3 (three) days based on the assumption that those items are the only possessions you will have. Include food, water, clothing, shelter, and a source of heat. Store these kits in a closet near the front door, or another easily assessable place where they can be quickly and easily grabbed on the way out the door.

Why pack a kit for 72 hours? What is so special about that number? In the event of an emergency it would require at least 72 hours before church or governmental forces could be mobilized to feed you and your family. The Civil Defense and FEMA both suggest that families prepare a two (2) week kit, because in a wide spread major disaster it could take that long to get things organized.

Plan your kit with the idea of having to carry it because it is very likely that you will not be able to use the car. Gas stations will probably not be functioning, and roads may not be accessible, (depending on the emergency of course).

It would be a good idea to test your kit several times until you feel totally comfortable and assured that you could really live for three days with no other items in your possession. Test food, water, heat and cooking, shelter etc. do you have enough? Did you forget something? If so add it. Tailor make your 72 hour kit for you and your family and the area that you live in. Keeping in mind what disasters or emergencies you may have in YOUR area.

As you assemble your kit be sure to keep a list of its contents and their location inside the kit so that you can find them easily. Also keep a list of dates when certain items need to be reviewed, rotated, and updated.This includes Medications: over the counter and RX.

Here are the basics of a 72 hour kit. You will need a container for your kit, water, food, shelter, bedding, clothing, fire and fuel, light, first aid, family information, money, and misc. items to what you feel you need to have. Also pet, infant, and elderly needs as needed per family.

You will need to change the stored water and food supplies every six months, so be sure to write the date you store it on all containers. You should also re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your household changes.

CONTAINER: Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supply kit in one or two easy-to carry containers such as an unused trash can with wheels and a handle, camping backpack or duffel bag. You can even plan on using containers and use a wagon to pulled it, etc. Use what you have try see if it works if not then re-think things and find something that works for you. 

WATER: Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your household. You need store at least one gallon of water per person per day. That means you can store more. If not then know how to sterilize water in an emergency situation. You then need to include water sterilizing supplies in your kit. Remember water needs to be boiled for 10, 15, or 20 minutes before drinking in a disaster and water has been cut off, you will need quite a bit of fuel for that. Water purification tablets are good, but if there is sewage, debris, etc in the water you will want to filter and boil it!

FOOD: You don’t need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Canned foods do not require cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener. Food items that you might consider including in your disaster supply kit include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered milk. Key here is buy what your family already uses and eats and put that in to your 72 hour kit. You don’t want to go and have to eat unfamiliar foods in am emergency situation, that will make the stress of everything go up!!! Make a menu and for each meal and put that in your kits, that way everyone knows when and what to eat. You can add some comfort foods to help the stress.

SHELTER: The objective of shelter is to provide emergency housing. You can do any of the following: Family tent big enough for the whole family, Backpackers tent you will need more of these if you have a large family, (Tube Tents are NOT recommended!), Rain poncho to keep the rain off. Tarp(s) and ropes.

BEDDING: Blankets or a sleeping bag for each household member, pillows are for comfort and if you have room. You may want to include an emergency type blanket and sleeping bag per person. They are small and will help keep you warm. (the emergency blankets are a good way to add life to ice in an ice-chest)

CLOTHING: One complete change of clothing and footwear for each household member.

Shoes should be sturdy work shoes or boots. Rain gear, hat and gloves, extra socks, extra underwear, thermal underwear, sunglasses. Remember seasonal changes to where you live and plan accordingly. Remember to update and rotate clothing as the family grows. This should be done at least once a year.

FIRE AND FUEL: Alternate fuel sources will be needed whether you evacuate from your home or are allowed to stay at home during an emergency. Fuel will be needed to keep your family warm, dry, to be able to have a hot meal (cooking) purifying water and for signaling. Here are a few things to think about adding to your kit. Matches, Metal match, Butane lighters, Magnesium, Small magnifying glass, Flint and steel commercial fire starters, Steel wool, Candles, Sterno, Butane and propane stoves

FIRST AID: The basics for your first aid kit should include: But not limited too. Add what you use regularly.

– First aid manual

– Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

– Assorted sizes of safety pins

– Cleansing agents (isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide)/soap/germicide

– Antibiotic ointment

– Latex gloves (2 pairs)

– Petroleum jelly

– 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6 each size)

– Triangular bandages (3)

– 2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls each)

– Cotton balls

– Scissors

– Tweezers

– Needle

– Moistened towelettes

– Antiseptic

– Thermometer

– Tongue depressor blades (2)

– Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

– Sunscreen.

It may be difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster because stores may be closed or supplies may be limited. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. Be sure they are stored to meet instructions on the label and be mindful of expiration dates—be sure to keep your stored medication up to date.

Have the following nonprescription drugs in your disaster supply kit:

– Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever

– Anti-diarrhea medication

– Antacid (for stomach upset)

– Syrup of ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the poison control center)

– Laxative

– Vitamins.

LIGHT SOURCES: You can go with the old stand by of flashlights and Batteries. You can even have the light sticks that are safe in all environments some will last up to 8-12 hours. (these are great for kids to hold on to and help them relax and not be so scared)

FAMILY INFO: You need IDENTIFICATION ON EVERYONE.

Everyone should have ID on them, even if you write your child’s name and your name and address, phone numbers with a sharpie permanent pen on their arm!

Gather Important Documents and put into safe place. Make copies as
needed. Make a Document Kit by placing all important papers and copies into a briefcase, file folder, or notebook. Put in a place to be able to take with you in an event of an emergency. Put an extra set of documents in a safety deposit box, or a family members house. Key here is to make an extra set of documents and keep outside your home.
Ideas of papers to keep but not limited too, You make the decision as to what you need to have in your document kit.
Birth certificates, Death certificates, Drivers Licenses, Id Cards, Credit Cards, Wills, Estate Papers, Tax returns, Vehicle titles, Family History Papers, Insurance numbers for house, cars, health, etc, Shot records of everyone including adults, Bank names and Account numbers, Photographs of Family members, and your valuables, Any other financial information

Any Thing You NEED to have copies of!!!

MONEY: You should have at least $300.00. Most people say you need closer to $500.00. You do not want 5 one hundred dollar bills and there is no way to make change. You need small bills, ones and fives. You also need coin money, quarters, dimes and nickels. Do not plan on going to the ATMS or to the bank, they will run out of cash fast. Do not plan on using credit or debt cards or even checks, if the electricity is out there will be no way to verify the accounts and you will be turned away. Cash is the way to go! (the amounts of cash is from 2005 in 2011 think $600-$800)

MISC: Remember to consider the needs of infants, elderly persons, disabled persons, and pets. Entertainment: books, games, quiet toys and stuffed animals. Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lens

Sanitation and Hygiene: Use Heavy duty trash bags for human waste, and toilet treatment powder available at camping supply stores. You might want to remember toilet paper and soap or waterless hand sanitizer. Basic hygiene kit tooth brush, tooth paste, brush or comb, deodorant, ETC…

Feminine needs, Maps and Emergency Contact phone numbers.

EXTRA EXPANDABLE THINGS: There are many other things you can add to your kit.  REMEMBER each family and each situation is different. What I put in my kit will be different to what you may put in your kit. Here is only a small sample list. Test your kit out see what YOU NEED!

Survival Manual, Cooking Gear, Heavy Duty Foil, Eating Utensils (remember you may not have water to wash dishes properly), Canteen, Compass, Whistle, Metal Mirror, Dishrag, Dishwashing Liquid, BLEACH (is recommended for ALL KITS), Sewing & Repair Kit, Towel, Washcloth, Soap, Shampoo, Toiletries, Sun-block, Lip balm, Insect Repellant, Camp Shower, Rope, Twine, Cord, Fishing Gear, Pocket Knife, Shovel, Tools, Gloves, Hatchet, Duct Tape, Radio, Games, Entertainment. The list can go on and on.

As always, decide what particular needs your own family may have and adjust accordingly. Remember this is just an IDEA. The rest is up to you.

Sources:  All info was complied by me, Roses, from The following… Misc.  web sites including, dollar stretcher.com, FEMA ARE YOU READY book, Misc. Ensigns, Emergency Preparedness handbook Spokane Valley Stake WA, and a few of my own personal thoughts and things I have learned. You may use this info and share it with others; Roses!