I think because of the economy and everything that has been going on in the world lately, my mind has been on preparing for emergencies. I think everyone should be prepared in case we are in a situation we have no control over. Im talking about 72 hour kits.
This kit should be put together in a practical matter so you can carry it with you should you ever need to evacuate your home. It is also important to prepare one for each family member who is able to carry one.
FOOD AND WATER
(A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is possible.)
- Protein/Granola Bars
- Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
- Cereal/Crackers
- Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages ect.
- Canned Juices
- Candy/Gum- I’ve heard Jolly Ranchers melt, and mint gum makes everything taste minty
- Water (1 gallon/4 liters per person)
BEDDING AND CLOTHING
- Change of Clothing (Long and short sleeved shirts, pants, socks, jackets)
- Undergarments
- Rain Coat/Poncho
- Blankets and Emergency Heat Blankets (that keep warmth in)
- Cloth Sheet
- Plastic Sheet
FUEL AND LIGHT
- Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps etc.) Don’t forget batteries!
- Extra Batteries
- Flares
- Candles
- Lighters
- Water-proof matches
EQUIPMENT
- Can Opener
- Dishes/Utensils
- Shovel
- Radio (with batteries!)
- Pen and Paper
- Axe
- Pocket Knife
- Rope
- Duct Tape
PERSONAL SUPPLIES AND MEDICATION
- First Aid Kit and Supplies
- Toiletries (roll of toilet paper-remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush etc.)
- Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap- scented soap may flavor food)
- Immunizations up-to date
- Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children’s medication etc.)
- Prescription Medication (for 3 days)
PERSONAL DOCUMENTS AND MONEY
(Place these items in a water-proof container!)
- Genealogy Records
- Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts etc.)
- Vaccination Papers
- Insurance Policies
- Cash
- Credit Card
- Pre-Paid Phone Cards
MISCELLANEOUS
- Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or backpacks, which work great) Make sure you can carry it!
- Infant Needs (If applicable!)
NOTES
1. Update your 72 hour kit every 6 months, to make sure that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged.
2. Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
3. Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
4. You can include any other items in your 72 hour kit that you feel are necessary for your family’s survival.
5. Some items and or/flavors might leak, melt, “flavor” other items or break open. Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags may help prevent this.














Thanks for the info! We should save this on the side-bar with the Food Storage Lessons.
Check out the “3 Day MRE Food Supply” on http://www.emergencyessentials.com. I love those kits. They make the food part of a 72 hour kit, really easy, they are supposed to taste really good, and they last longer than traditional food.
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great post, and the last pic is the most telling. I’m going to re-do my 72 hr kits this very week!!