The Ultimate 72-Hour Kit (Article Link)

Sportsman's News has a great article about 72-Hour Kits by Dan Kidder. 

72 Hour Kit - Food Options (Pros and Cons)

My personal opinion is that in your 72 HOUR KIT, you want foods that can be eaten without cooking, without heating and can be eaten while walking or traveling. You don't know what kind of a situation you will be in and if you will have access to heating elements.

Here are 6 different options with their pros and cons.

1. MRE's (Meal Ready-to-Eat)

• Pros - Variety of meal choices, is a complete meal (main dish, crackers, peanut butter, salt, etc), is a hot meal, long shelf life.
• Cons - Expensive, bulky, requires heating, does not come with a cooking source, may not be the type of food your body is used to eating, cannot be eaten "on the go"

2. Heater Meals

• Pros - Variety of meal choices, is a hot meal, comes with it's own heater, and water for cooking, is a complete meal
• Cons - Bulky, expensive, not a long shelf life, requires heating, cannot be eaten "on the go"

3. Dehydrated Meals

• Pros - Variety of meal choices, is a hot meal, very long shelf life.
• Cons - Expensive, requires heating, does not come with a cooking source, cannot be eaten "on the go", requires water to "cook"

4. "Regular Food" - Foods that you'd pickup in the grocery store, such as Hormel "Compleats"

• Pros - Variety of meal choices, is a complete meal, is a hot meal, more like the kinds of food your body is used to eating
• Cons - Expensive, bulky, requires heating, does not come with a cooking source, 1 to 2 year shelf life, cannot be eaten "on the go"

5. Survival Bread

image from ehow.com

• Pros - Nutritious, lasts indefinitely, easy to make, cheap, can be molded into the shape you want (i.e. bars, loafs, etc), can be eaten "on the go", does not require heating, compact
• Cons - Is not a hot meal, you must make it, just one flavor so you may need to supplement with snack foods.

6. Emergency Bars

• Pros - Nutritious, shelf life of 5 years, inexpensive, can be eaten "on the go", does not require heating, compact
• Cons - Is not a hot meal, just one flavor so you may need to supplement with snack foods.

72 Hour Kit - Water Options (Pros and Cons)

Click the picture above to download the PDF format of

"72 Hour Kit - Water Options"

1. Water Pouch

• Price - 4.2 oz 35¢
• Pros - Easy to fit into packs, lasts up to 5 years
• Cons - Hard to open without spilling, must be held while drinking, must purchase online, could be punctured

2. Aqua Blox

• Price - 8.45 oz .85¢ or 33.8 oz $2.95
• Pros - Small, durable, lasts up to 5 years
• Cons - Can be bulky, pricey, must purchase online

3. Water Bottles

• Price - 16.9 oz .10-15¢ (case price)
• Pros - Easy to find, cheap, drink mixes enhance flavor (crystal light, etc)
• Cons - Bulky, should rotate 1-1 ½1 years

4. Water Filtration Bottle

• Price - 28 oz. $16.50 (with 2 filters - $22.00)
• Pros - Filters 100 gallons per filter, discounted price if purchased through LDS Distribution Center
• Cons - Must find water to filter

72 Hour Kit - Comprehensive List

• Water (enough for 3 days)

• Food
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
• Staples--sugar, salt, pepper
• High energy foods--peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
• Vitamins
• Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs
• Comfort/stress foods--cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags

• First aid supplies
• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
• Triangular bandages (3)
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex gloves (2 pair) Sunscreen

• Non-prescription drugs
• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for stomach upset)
• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)


• Clothing, bedding and sanitation supplies (If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat.) *Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
• Jacket or coat
• Long pants
• Long sleeve shirt
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Hat, gloves and scarf
• Rain gear
• Thermal underwear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Sunglasses

• Sanitation
• Toilet paper
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach


• Tools
• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Emergency preparedness manual
• Portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Cash or traveler's checks, change
• Nonelectric can opener, utility knife
• Fire extinguisher: small canister, ABC type
• Tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Paper, pencil
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
• Whistle
• Plastic sheeting
• Map of the area (for locating shelters)

• Special items
• For Baby
• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Pacifiers
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• For Adults
• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Insulin
• Prescription drugs
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses
• Hearing aid batteries
• Important Family Documents (Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.)
• Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
• Photo IDs, passports, social security cards, immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers and companies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards
• Cash and coins.
• Entertainment--games and books.

list from FEMA.gov

72 Hour Kit - Comfort Foods

Comfort Foods (aka Snack Foods or Extra Calories for your 72 Hour Kit)

Now these are not traditional comfort foods, but they would be in an emergency situation. In addition to my emergency food bars, I pack 3-6 small treat/snack in our 72 hour kits (1-2 for each day). Snack criteria for me is as follows...

• lightweight
• does not require cooking
• tastes great
• is something my kids would normally eat
• has a shelf life of at least 6 months, I would prefer a year if possible
• is individually packaged
• doesn't take a lot of room
• provides extra (somewhat healthy) calories

Snack ideas are...

• Beef Jerky
• Trail Mix
• Granola
• Fruit Snacks
• Fruit Leather
• Raisins
• Granola Bars
• Ready Mix Tuna Salad
• Dried Fruit

72 Hour Kit - Survival Bread

Survival Bread

2 cups oats
2 ½ cups powdered milk
1 cup sugar
3 TBSP honey
1 (3 oz.) pkg. orange or lemon Jello
3 TBSP water

In the mixing bowl combine the oats, powered milk, and the sugar. Mix well and set aside.

In the medium sauce pan mix the water, Jello, and honey. Place on the stove top and bring to a boil. Slowly add this into the oat mixture. Make sure it is all well blended together. If the dough is a little dry, add a small amount of water one teaspoonful at a time. It should be firm but doughy

Once it is ready shape the dough into a loaf, about the size of a small red brick. Place the bread loaf onto the cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. If you increased the recipe for multiple loaves you can place several at a time onto the cookie sheet for baking. Don't place them too close together.

Once the bread is baked remove from the cookie sheet and allow to cool completely. The bread can be wrapped whole in the foil for storage. This bread can be stored indefinitely.

72 Hour Kit - Top Ten List

We know that getting started on a 72 hour kit can be a daunting task, so here is a list (in order) of the top ten things you should have in your 72 hour kit. This has been revised from last year!

1. Container (Backpack, rolling duffel bag, rubbermaid container, etc)
2. Water (for 72 hours)
3. Food/Medication (special consideration for infants/pets)
4. Survival Supplies (shelter & omni tool)
5. Vital Info/Documents
6. Money (in small bills)
7. First Aid Kit
8. Flashlight/Batteries
9. Toiletries/Change of Clothes
10. AM/FM Radio/Batteries

A container is listed first, so that as you collect supplies you will have a designated place for everything. The first 4 items are a MUST! These will keep you alive for 3 days until help arrives.

Here are some other websites to get you started and motivated!

• Ready.gov
• FEMA (Are You Ready?)
• FEMA (Basic Disaster Supplies)
• Lou & Lou Safety Patrol (Watch the video "Get Ready, Get Set, Emergency")

72 Hour Kit - Helpful Tips

Here are some helpful tips for 72 hour kits. A lot of this information (and more) is found at Equipped to Survive. Kira also has some wonderful 72 hour kit information on the Greenway Self-Reliant Sisters Blog.

Flashlights

• When purchasing flashlights LED lights are the best. If you use incandescent lights, make sure you have spare bulbs. LED lights have the advantage of not needing the spare bulb.

Batteries

• Never use so-called "heavy duty" batteries. These are old-fashioned carbon-zinc batteries that have a very short shelf life and run down quickly. Alkaline batteries have a decent shelf life about five years. Lithium batteries are even better, they typically have a ten year shelf life, work better than alkaline in the cold and also weight about half less. But, lithium is usually found only in AA and AAA sizes.

Cash

• Have small bill on hand for cash. People won't have change in an emergency & the ATM's will run out quickly too.

Perishable Items

• Keep a list of all the items in your 72 hour kit and when they expire. This will make it a lot easier to rotate them.
• I bought shampoo, deodorant & toothpaste in the brands that my family uses. Before the expiration date, I pull them out and give it to the kids. They think it's fun to use travel size items for a few days.

Documents

• Have copies of your important information - Birth & Marriage Certificates, Social Security Numbers, Credit Card Information, Immunization Records, Insurance Policies, etc.
• Laminate or keep these in a Zip-loc bag.
• Have photos of each family member and a group family picture
• Consider backing up your pictures & genealogy onto a CD/DVD or a Portable Hard Drive.

Any other tips? Just leave a comment :)

72 Hour Kit (Top 10 List)

We know that getting started on a 72 hour kit can be a daunting task, so here is a list (in order) of the top ten things you should have in your 72 hour kit.

• Container (Backpack, rolling duffel bag, rubbermaid container, etc)
• Water (for 72 hours)
• Food/Medication/Can Opener (special consideration for infants/pets)
• Scriptures
• Money
• Vital Info/Documents
• AM/FM Radio/Batteries
• Flashlight/Batteries
• First Aid Kit/Sanitary Supplies
• Change of Clothing/Wet Wipes

A container is listed first, so that as you collect supplies you will have a designated place for everything.

Here are some other websites to get you started and motivated!

• Ready.gov
• FEMA (Are You Ready?)
• FEMA (Basic Disaster Supplies)
• Lou & Lou Safety Patrol (Watch the video "Get Ready, Get Set, Emergency")

Sample 72 Hour Kit (with Pictures)

This is my families 72 hour kits. The kids have rolling backpacks and we have rolling duffel bags to hold more items. You can buy ready made kits, but I wanted to make our own so that I could personalize each one. Here are the things that we have in our 72 hour kits.

All of our 72 hour kits have a photo luggage tag, which contains a photo of them.

Food & Water

I decided to only buy food that doesn't need to be cooked. These food bars are from beprepared.com. I also supplement these food bars with our "comfort" foods, such as beef jerky, granola bars & candy. I also let the kids eat these every 6 months when I rotate certain perishable items. If you do buy items that need to be cooked, don't forget the camp stove, Sterno, can opener, pans for cooking, plates, bowls, cups, spoon, knifes, forks, etc for these items!


For our water I decided to purchase Water Pouches from beprepared.com. They also sell Aqua Blox, which is water in a juice box like container. I chose the pouches because of the size issue. The disadvantage to pouches is that they might puncture easier (thus they are in a Ziploc) and they are a little harder to drink from. I also have some water purification tables (not pictured) just in case we need water for more than 72 hours.

Clothing/Shelter

• Emergency Sleeping Bag
• Emergency Blanket
• Poncho
• Hot Hands or Hotties
• I also have a full size sleeping bag (rated zero degrees) for all of us. These will NOT fit in our kits, but can slip over the handle and be pulled along with our backpacks & duffel bags.

I keep all our clothing items in the 2 duffel bag kits. The rolling backpacks are not large enough to hold these. I don't have a full change of clothes yet, so our clothing items consist of:

• Socks
• Shoes
• Hats & Gloves
• PJ's
• Undergarments
• Diapers (if applicable)

First Aid Items

I bought our 1st Aid kits premade from Wal-Mart. The small one (top picture) is in our children's backpacks, and the larger one and the Bite/Stink kit are in our kits. Some other things to add to this (if not already in your kit) might be:

• Surgical Masks
• Surgical Gloves
• Cough Drops
• Vitamins
• Medicine (Cold/Pain)
• Burn Gel & Dressing
• Antiseptic
• Inhalers or Prescription Medication (If you can't keep these in your kit, KNOW where they are so you can grab them quickly!)

Fuel, Heat & Lighting

• Fire Sticks
• Wind/Waterproof Matches
• Emergency Candles
• Flashlight
• Lightsticks
• Headlight
• Fire Starter
• Hand Crank Flashlight (I don't have one yet)

Make sure that you don't store your batteries in your flashlights or radios. Wrap them with tape so that the ends don't touch. This was they will be fresh when you need them.

Personal Documents (not pictured)

• Immunization Records
• Birth Certificates
• Pictures
• Phone Number/Addresses
• Insurance Information (Life, Car, House)
• Family Emergency Plan
• CD's with Photos/Genealogy
• Marriage Certificate
• Social Security Numbers
• Emergency Contacts
• Family & Individual Photos
• Fingerprints
• Health Information
• Credit Card Information with Phone Numbers
• Cash in small bills

Personal Care Kit
I bought these small bags at Wal-Mart and filled them with everything we might need for our personal care. For deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, and other things that have an expiration date, I bought each persons favorite brand. That way, if there is no emergency we can still use it here at home before it expires. Then I don't feel like I am wasting things, since I don't need to throw them away when they expire.

• Germ X
• Flushable Wipes
• Chapstick
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Sunscreen
• Washcloth
• Toothbrush
• Cotton Swabs
• Comb
• Kleenex
• Toilet Seat Covers
• Nail Brush
• Tweezers
• Finger Nail Clippers
• Compact Mirror
• Sewing Kit
• Aloe Vera
• Vaseline
• Feminine Products
• Mosquito Spray

Miscellaneous/Survival Items

• Camp Towel
• Toilet Paper (with roll removed)
• Duck Tape
• Handy Sacks (or trash bags)

• Rope
• Multipurpose Knife (Swiss Army, Leatherman, or Generic)
• Heavy Duty Scissors
• Survival Whistle (with compass)
• Umbrella (don't have yet)
• Maps (for neighboring states as well)

• Camp Ax (adult kit)
• Camp Shovel (adult kit)
• Hand Crank Radio (don't have yet)
• Work Gloves (don't have yet)

• Corded Phone

This phone was about $5.78 at Wal-Mart and is a great buy. Phone lines have their own power source so if your power were to go out, you could still use this in case of emergency. Every home has a telephone interface box which is usually mounted on an outside wall where the phone lines runs into your house. You can plug your corded phone into this box (even if it's not your own home) and have a working phone line. Of course this is for EMERGENCIES ONLY!! Consider keeping a phone like this in your car, just in case!

Entertainment Items

Here is the special little section I have in each kit. It contains:

• Small Notebook (in our favorite colors)
• Pen & Pencil
• Scriptures
• Card Game (type varies per person)
• Crayons/Coloring Book or other fun item

Extras

These are items that you probably can't store all the time in your 72 hour kit, and will have to grab at the last minute.

• Medications
• Cell Phones
• Chargers
• Special Blanket or Stuffed Animal that your child can't be without.

Large Item

These are things that would be great to have near your 72 hour kit, but are too big to fit inside a backpack.

• Portable Toilet
• Porta Privy
• Family Size Tent (Such as one you use to go camping every summer)
• Camp Stove
• Sleeping Mats

Emergency Preparedness (SRS Meeting - January 8, 2009)

Natural Disaster at Home

Flash Floods
During a flash flood, water can rise so quickly that there is little or no time for a warning to be issued and you may have only seconds to escape. It only takes two feet of water to carry away cars. Six inches of swiftly moving water will sweep a person off his/her feet. If you suspect a flash flood is about to happen, immediately climb to higher ground.

Earthquakes
If you are indoors, and feel an earthquake the first thing to do is look up and around and get your bearings. Find cover and duck under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and move with it. If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines

Wildfires
Wildfires often begin unnoticed and spread quickly, Plan with your family where you would go and what you would do if you are threatened. Listen to your battery operated radio for updates and instructions.

www.lvmpd.com/homeland/handss_disasters.html

Family Emergency Plans

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
Pick two places to meet:

• Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
• Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.

Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.

Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

Complete this Check list

• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.
• Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Get training from the fire department for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt.
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Suplies Kit (72 hour kit).
• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
• Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.
• Practice and Maintain Your Plan
• Quiz your kids every six months or so.
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
• Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

www.redcross.org/services/disater/0,1082,0_601_,00.html

Disaster Kits— from FEMA

Basic Disaster Supplies

There are six basics you should stock in your home:

• Water
• Food
• First aid supplies
• Clothing, bedding and sanitation supplies
• Tools
• Special items
  

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container; a camping backpack; or a duffle bag.

Special Items

For Baby

• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Pacifiers
• Powdered milk
• Medications
  

For Adults

• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Insulin
• Prescription drugs
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses
• Hearing aid batteries
  

Important Family Documents (Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container. )

• Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
• Photo IDs, passports, social security cards, immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers and companies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards
  

Cash and coins.

Entertainment--games and books.

Water and Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
*Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
Note: Be sure to include a manual can opener.

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
• Staples--sugar, salt, pepper
• High energy foods--peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
• Vitamins
• Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs
• Comfort/stress foods--cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags

Water

You should have at least a three-day supply of water and you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking. Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the following into account:

• Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.
• Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
• Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
• A medical emergency might require additional water.
  

Clothing, Sanitation Supplies, and Documents

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. *Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

• Jacket or coat
• Long pants
• Long sleeve shirt
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Hat, gloves and scarf
• Rain gear
• Thermal underwear
• Blankets or sleeping bag
• Sunglasses
• Toilet paper
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.

• Will, insurance policies, etc.
• Photo IDs, passports, social security cards, immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers and companies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards
  

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include:

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
• Triangular bandages (3)
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex gloves (2 pair) Sunscreen
• Non-prescription drugs
• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for stomach upset)
• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Contact your local American Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid manual.

http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/basickit.shtm

Emergency Preparedness Gifts

A great gift to give this season is a gift of Emergency Preparedness. Beprepared.com has many gifts to start or finish a 72 hour kit or car kit. A Cub Scout or Boy Scout would love any of these items on the list. They are great for camping and emergency survival! Here are some examples of some great inexpensive presents.

• Magnesium Fire Starter - $6.95
• Fire Sticks - $1.95
• Fire Lighters - $2.95
• Waterproof/Windproof Matches - $2.95
• Hotties - .95 to $1.25
• Emergency Blanket - $1.25
• Emergency Poncho - .75
• Deluxe Poncho - $2.95
• Endurance Headlamp - $4.95
• Flashlight - $7.99
• Emergency Tent - $3.95
• 13-Function Knife - $1.99
• Multifunction Tool - $4.95
• 5-in-1 Survival Whistle - $1.50
• 1st Aid Kit - $5.95
• Basic 72 Hour Kit - $9.50

Of course prices are subject to change.