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Monday, November 12, 2012

Building your 72-Hour Kit

Submitted Question: I need some ideas of what to put into my 72-Hour Kit.

Answer: Quantities may vary depending on the size of your family, but here is a list of the general items that you may need. (Keep in mind that you may live in different environments, so winter coats, for example, may be necessary for some of you, while sunscreen could be necessary for others.)

Items for Waste and Trash Disposal

  • Plastic Bags
  • Disinfectant (Lysol)
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Clothes Pins (and clothes line)
  • Pre-moistened Towelettes (Wet Wipes)
  • Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
  • Infant Supplies (diapers, etc)
  • Trash Cans
  • Deodorizer Tablets
  • Wash tub
  • Paper Towels
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Insect Repellent
  • Shovel
  • Kitty Litter (not just for your pet...it can be good for soaking up oils or liquid wastes, or help create traction for tires if your car is stuck in the snow, etc.)
  • Clean Rags
  • Bar soap
  • Feminine Supplies
  • Toilet Paper
Items for Personal Hygiene
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Comb / Brush
  • Lotion
  • Towel
  • Chapstick
  • Deodorant
  • Feminine Supplies
  • Baby Supplies
  • Toothpaste/Toothbrush
Items for Medical Situations
  • Pain Reliever
  • Burn Ointment
  • Anti-Itch Cream
  • Personal Medications (Insulin if you have diabetes, blood pressure medication, inhaler, etc.)
  • Scissors
  • Triangle Bandage
  • Needle
  • Elastic Bandages
  • Cotton Balls or Swabs
  • Tweezers
  • Gauze
  • Petroleum Jelly
  • Antiseptic
  • Safety Pins
  • Adhesive Tape
Items for Food Preparation
  • Backpacking Stove
  • Heat Source for Cooking (Sterno Can, Tuna Burner, Charcoal, etc.)
  • Fuel for the Heat Source (Propane, Wood, White Gas, Gasoline, Kerosene, etc.)
  • Small Pan
  • Knives, Forks, and Spoons
  • Dishes to eat on
  • Can Opener
  • Small Coffeepot or Tea Kettle
Items of Importance
  • Bedding Supplies (Sleeping Bags, Blankets, Solar Blankets, Tarp, etc.)
  • Change of Clothes (Include Footwear, and dress for the season)
  • Communication: Radio with batteries, whistle, cell phone, two way radios, ham radio
  • Money ($20 or more in kit, smaller denominations are better for smaller transactions.  People may not have a lot of change in an emergency.)
  • Important Papers (Birth Certificates, Marriage License, Wills, Insurance Forms, Phone Numbers, Credit Card Information, Social Security Cards, etc.)
Items for Stress Relief

It is important to have items in your 72-Hour Kit that can help comfort in times of distress.
  • Crayons
  • Coloring Books
  • Story Books
  • Games / Cards
  • Scriptures
  • Favorite "Security" Items (blanket)
  • Hard Candy
  • Books
  • Magazines
  • Needlework
  • Harmonica (or other portable musical instrument)
Items for Repair
  • Sewing Kit
  • Scissors
  • Shoelaces
  • Superglue
  • Tape / Duct Tape
Items for Outdoor Survival
  • Small Tent
  • 50 Foot Rope
  • Steel Wool
  • Insect Repellent
  • Hatchet
  • Whistle
  • Pocket Knife
  • Compass
  • Radio
  • Shovel
  • Flares
Items for Water Supply
  • Water - at least 1 gallon per person per day
  • Plastic 2 Liter Bottles
  • Strap to carry containers
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Waterproof Containers (backpacks, tote bags, garbage bags, suitcases, duffel bags, etc.)
Items for Energy Sources
  • Flashlights (and batteries)
  • Candles
  • Chemical Light Sticks
  • Matches and/or Lighters
Items for Food
  • Get food high in calories (you may be under a lot of stress during an emergency)
  • Good nutrition is important, but high calories is the most important factor for short-term survival
  • Special Dietary Needs (Gluten-free, Lactose Intolerant)
  • Food that is lightweight and compact, and require no refrigeration
  • Food that require little preparation
  • Some suggestions:
    • Food Bars
    • Dried Foods
    • Stress Foods (chocolate)
    • Liquid Beverages
    • Trail Mix
    • Instant Meals
    • Snack Sized Canned Goods
    • Canned Tuna
    • Canned Soup
    • Other Canned Meats
    • Beef Jerky
    • Granola
    • Powdered Instant Drink
    • Meals Ready to Eat (MRE)
    • Crackers

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