How to Make a 72 Hour Kit for Emergency Preparedness
We should have food storage and be prepared for an emergency which includes having a 72 hour kit. This kit should be put together in a practical manner so that you can carry it with you if you ever need to evacuate your home. It is also important to prepare one for each member of your family who is able to carry one.
Below is a list of items to store in a 72 hour kit to help you be prepared in the case of an emergency.
Also watch the About.com video based on this article, How to Make a 72 Hour Kit.
Directions: Print this list and check off each item that has been put into your 72 hour kit.
Checklist: 72 Hour Kit (pdf)
Food and Water
(A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available)
(Place these items in a water-proof container!)
Below is a list of items to store in a 72 hour kit to help you be prepared in the case of an emergency.
Also watch the About.com video based on this article, How to Make a 72 Hour Kit.
Directions: Print this list and check off each item that has been put into your 72 hour kit.
Checklist: 72 Hour Kit (pdf)
Food and Water
(A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available)
- Protein/Granola Bars
- Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
- Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
- Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc ( don't forget the can opener)
- Canned Juice
- Candy/Gum
- Water (1 Gallon Per Person)
- Change of Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
- Undergarments
- Rain Coat/Poncho
- Blankets and Emergency Heat Blanks (that keep in warmth)
- Cloth Sheet
- Plastic Sheet
- Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps, etc.) Don't forget batteries!
- Extra Batteries
- Flares
- Candles
- Lighter
- Water-Proof Matches
- Can Opener
- Dishes/Utensils
- Shovel
- Radio (with batteries!)
- Pen and Paper
- Pocket Knife
- Duct Tape
- 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, etc. Warning: Scented soap might "flavor" food items.)
- Immunizations Up-to Date
- Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)
- Prescription Medication (for 3 days)
(Place these items in a water-proof container!)
- Scriptures
- Genealogy Records
- Patriarchal Blessing
- Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc)
- Vaccination Papers
- Insurance Policies
- Credit Card
- Pre-Paid Phone Cards
- Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!
- Infant Needs (if applicable)
- Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) 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.
- 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 too.
- You can include any other items in your 72 Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
- Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, "flavor" other items, or break open. Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.
