Are you prepared for an emergency? Like…really prepared?
A 72-hour emergency kit is a must-have for any household. It’s a collection of basic items that your household may need in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or power outage.
The kit should be self-sufficient, meaning it should provide you with enough food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours.
This guide will provide you with all the information you need to build a complete 72-hour emergency kit.
From food and water to emergency supplies and shelter, we’ll cover it all to ensure that you and your family are prepared for any emergency that may come your way.
Important note: if you have multiple family members you should be preparing their own kits for their specific needs. One person shouldn’t be carrying everything. Even your dog can be outfitted with a light pack that has most of their needs!
Food and Water for Your Emergency Kit
When it comes to building a 72-hour emergency kit, food and water are two of the most important components to consider. Not only do nutrients and energy from foods keep you functioning, they are also vital for life.
Eating healthy during stressful periods can help keep your energy levels up and provide the necessary fats, proteins, and nutrients.
Eating whole grains, nuts, and dried fruits are all great choices.
For a three-day period without refrigeration or cooking, some recommended meal and snack options for one person include protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit, crackers, cereal, canned tuna, turkey and beef, as well as nonperishable treats like candy and gum.
Changing up your food and water stocks every six months is a good idea to guarantee they’re fresh and secure. Freeze-dried foods offer a convenient form of long-term storage and can last for up to 25 years without needing to be rotated.
It is recommended that each person drinks at a very minimum, 32 ounces of water daily, although 1 gallon (per person per day) is what you should be including in your kit. This includes per pet, if applicable.
When selecting a water container, bear in mind that water can be quite heavy and factor that into your kit’s weight. You can choose between water pouches, canned water, or a quart-sized canteen.
It is advisable to avoid buying bottled water from stores since its purity cannot be guaranteed.
Carrying a large amount of water isn’t possible, so it’s essential to have a method for purifying water from nearby sources like ponds, rivers, or lakes.
Different water purifiers available include Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets, Aquamira Chlorine Dioxide Water Treatment, SteriPen Water Purifiers, GRAYL, Katadyn Water Filters, LifeStraw, and coffee filters.
It’s important to choose the right one that fits your needs and the environment you are in.
Having a properly stocked 72-hour emergency kit with plenty of non-perishable food and water will ensure you and your family have adequate supplies to last for three days.
Remember to rotate your food and water supplies regularly, and to include water purification methods in your kit. Having a plan for emergency situations will give you peace of mind and the assurance that you are ready.
Emergency Supplies for Your Emergency Kit
When building a 72-hour emergency kit for you and your loved ones (including pets), it’s important to include a variety of emergency supplies that will help you and your family survive in case of an emergency.
Having these supplies will keep you safe, comfortable and fulfill your basic needs.
A battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, along with a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert, need to be part of any emergency kit. With these radios, you’ll stay up to date on any emergency announcements and weather alerts.
A flashlight should be a part of any emergency preparedness kit. A flashlight can be useful during power outages, providing you with light and a way to signal for help. There are some great flashlights available, although I would personally recommend something similar to this rechargeable flashlight.
Having a first aid kit is an important part of any emergency preparedness kit. Basic first-aid supplies, such as band-aids, gauze, scissors, and pain relievers, should be included. To ensure safety, you should bring extra batteries, a whistle, and a dust mask for protection from contaminated air when traveling.
Along with an emergency kit, make sure to include plastic sheeting, duct tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties for sanitation, a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, and a manual can opener for food.
Additionally, a local map, cell phone with chargers and a spare battery are must-haves.
The CDC has suggested that people should add extra items to their emergency kits since Spring 2020, in order to better protect themselves from coronavirus, other viruses, or the flu.
You should include masks, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, prescription medications, non-prescription medications, prescription eyeglasses, contact lens solution, infant formula, bottles, diapers , wipes and diaper rash cream in your list.
Don’t forget to provide food and water for your pets in your emergency kit. Additionally, keep extra supplies on hand. This should include any medications, treats and maybe even toys to keep them comfortable.
It’s essential to bring cash or traveler’s checks, and important family documents like insurance policies, ID cards, and bank records stored electronically or in a sealed, portable storage device.
It’s a good idea to have extra emergency supplies, like sleeping bags, a spare set of clothes suitable for your climate, durable shoes, a fire extinguisher, waterproof matches, and feminine products for personal hygiene.
Camping supplies like mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils, paper and pencils, books, games, puzzles or other activities are suitable for kids.
To be prepared for an emergency, make sure to keep a 72-hour emergency kit that is stocked with different essentials. This will ensure that you and your family have what they need to survive.
It’s important to regularly review and even update your emergency supplies, bugout bags and/or kits, taking into account any unique needs of your family and the current recommendations from organizations such as the CDC.
Make sure to store your supplies in airtight plastic bags and containers that are easy to transport. Taking the necessary precautions will ensure you are ready for any emergency and keep all your supplies organized and easily accessible.
Proper preparation is essential for getting through an emergency, so ensure you have a fully-stocked 72-hour survival kit.
Organizing and Storing the Kit
Having your 72-hour emergency kit properly organized and stored is essential, as much as the items you put inside.
Organizing your emergency kit and storing it in a place where you can find it easily will allow you to quickly access the items you need in an emergency.
One of the best ways to organize your emergency kit is to use clear plastic bins or a duffel bag. With these containers, it’s easy to see what supplies you have on hand, allowing you to quickly access what you need.
These items are also strong enough to resist the elements and safeguard your supplies.
Using airtight plastic bags to store your supplies is a smart move. This will shield them from moisture, dust, and other elements, keeping them dry. The bags will also provide you with a simple way to arrange and store your items, allowing for quick access in case of an emergency.
It’s important to store your emergency kit in a cool, dry place that’s easy to reach.
Setting up a closet or pantry is an excellent idea. An ideal spot to keep your emergency kit is somewhere accessible, like a hallway closet or even in the trunk of your car, if it’s in a secure location.
An important part of building an emergency kit is making sure it is light enough to carry in case you have to leave quickly.
The kit should be of a convenient size, large enough to carry all the necessary supplies, but still small enough to transport. When selecting a container, take into account the weight of the kit.
Regularly reviewing and updating your emergency kit is important. Before using food and water supplies, be sure to check the expiration dates, change batteries if needed, and get replacements for any damaged or missing items. You can make sure that your emergency kit is always prepared in case of an emergency by following this method.
To be ready for any emergency, it’s important to have a 72-hour emergency kit and know where to locate it.
Final Words
To be fully prepared for any emergency, having a 72-hour emergency kit is essential. Being prepared with a complete, organized emergency kit can ensure your safety in case of disaster.
A well-stocked emergency kit should contain a mix of items, including food and water, essential supplies, and shelter and warmth materials.
Here’s a list of items you should include in your 72-hour Emergency Kit or Bugout Bag (if that’s what you’re using):
- Water — 1 gallon per person, per day (including pets)
- Food — at least several days worth per person (don’t forget pets)
- Medication — this can be OTC or Prescriptions for you or your pets!
- Hygiene items — this includes Feminine hygiene items!
- Baby items — if you have a baby (or more) do not forget diapers, etc.
- Cell phone(s) — don’t forget a backup charger!
- Flashlight — having a rechargeable flashlight would be wise
- Matches — this should include a lighter just in case. Weatherproof if you have them.
- Battery powered or a hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio is good too)
- Batteries for backup needs
- First Aid Kit(s) — this can include homemade IFAKs (Individual First Air Kit)
- Dust Mask — most people have N95’s from COVID that can be useful
- Moist Towelettes — you’ll need them to clean up
- Map(s) — you need to know where you’re going. Paper maps are great!
- Small took kit — things like pliers, wrenches, etc.
- Pocket Knife — these come in handy for so many reasons!
- Can opener — you might have canned food, but “can” you open them?
- Fire extinguisher — it can come in useful in many situations
- Blankets — if you can carry them, take them. Emergency blankets are great!
- Writing utensils – pens, pencils, markers, paper. Can be helpful for maps/notes
- DOCUMENTS — any important documents should be taken. ID’s, bank info, insurance info, etc.
- Cash — always have cash, just in case.
- Entertainment — this can be books, magazines, games, etc.
These items will help you stay safe and comfortable, and will be essential for maintaining your basic needs.
To protect against coronavirus or other illnesses, it is essential to have additional supplies like masks, hand sanitizer, and any doctor’s prescribed medicines.
Storing and organizing your emergency kit in an accessible location is essential for a quick getaway.
Your emergency kit should be placed in a cool and dry area that is accessible, and the items should be stored in clear plastic bins or duffel bags, and airtight plastic bags.
Don’t forget to check and renew your emergency supplies on a regular basis, making sure they are fresh and safe, as well as meeting your current needs since things can change over time.
Having an emergency kit ready and on hand will give you and your family the assurance that you are prepared for any potential disaster.