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Having your 72-hour kit is going to be one of your most essential needs in times of crisis. Your kit is a collection of necessities that will sustain your life and have your wants and needs included that will last you for at least 72–hours. Your bag should fit your shoulders and back comfortably, be waterproof, and leave your arms and hands free. However, when a backpack is not available, consider using a suitcase, plastic bin, box, or garbage bag. The list below was designed by my friend and is the most complete list I have found. The items with an asterisk (*) are optional and the remaining items are essential.
(These are my 72 hour kits – in my coat closet)
FOOD and COOKING
Matches/ fire starter
Eating utensils any type
Mess-kit including Pot, plate, and cup
Water
Pack Non-perishable foods in plastic containers (MRE’s, canned, dry packaged, freeze dried)
3 servings per person of meat/fruit/vegetable/milk
*1/2 lb. rice or pasta dried
*8-10 bouillon cubes
*3 drink mixes (pre-sugared)
*3 hot chocolate, coffee or tea bags
*Hard candies, or chocolate bars individually wrapped – NOT GUM
*Peanut butter
*Unsalted crackers
*Cereal – packets
*Seasonings (salt, pepper, sugar, ketchup, etc.)
*Infant, diabetic or other special foods
*Water purification tablets
*Brillo or steel wool pad for cleanup
*Paper towels or napkins
*Sterno, alcohol, or other cooking fuel
*Small cooking stove
*Can opener (for canned food)
*Dish-soap in a small plastic bottle
*Fishing line, hooks, worms and sinkers
MEDICAL
Small first aid kit including:
Aspirin, Tylenol or other pain reliever
Tweezers
Alcohol wipes
Antiseptic hand cleanser
Medical adhesive tape
Sterile gauze four inch squares
Elastic bandages
Several sizes of adhesive bandages
Insect bite swabs
Triple-antibiotic ointment
Hydrogen peroxide
Bandage scissors
Triangular bandages
Instant cold packs
Exam gloves
Barrier device for CPR
*First aid book
*Thyroid blocking agent (potassium iodide)
*Special medications (allergies, diabetic, etc)
*Snake bite kit
*Extra pair of eye glasses or contacts
*EMT sheers
CLOTHING
1 Complete change of clothing including:
2 pair socks
Sturdy long pants
Long sleeve shirt / blouse
Thick gloves
Undergarments
*Brimmed hat
*Extra pair of sturdy shoes
*4-5 bandannas / large handkerchiefs
*Light-weight rain poncho
*Sewing kit with assorted safety pins
*Goggles
SANITARY
Toilet paper one roll wrapped in plastic
Hand soap with container
Cloth/or hand towel
8-10 coffee filters or water filters
4-5 trash bags – both Lg/Sm
*Toothbrush and container
*Toothpaste
*Laundry detergent and container
*Clothes pins
*Scrub brush
*Toiletry bag
*Small unbreakable mirror
*Deodorizer / disinfectant (bleach or borax)
*2-3 pairs of rubber or surgical gloves
*2-3 Dust masks
*Shampoo
*Comb /brush
*Feminine hygiene items
*Shaving razor
*Disposable diapers for infants or seniors
*Pre-moistened towelettes
*Solution for contacts
* 1/2 lb. of lime for waste treatment
*plastic bag ties/ closures
SHELTER
Sleeping wrap/ bag or blanket
*Tent/small
*Plastic ground cloth
*Emergency space blanket
OTHER
A backpack, box, suitcase, garbage can or some other container to hold everything
Identification
Small battery powered am radio
Map of your state and host area or possible relocation site
*Shoe laces
*25 feet nylon cord or rope
*hatchet, small axe or machete
*Hunting knife
*Small shovel
*1-2 Flares
*Insect repellent
*Needle-nosed pliers with cutting edge
*Adjustable crescent wrench
*Flashlight
*Extra batteries
*2-3 Light sticks
*6-8 Candles
*Compass
*Whistle
*Razor blades
*Air mattress/bed roll
*Aluminum foil
*Insurance policies/legal papers (Copies0
*Photos of self/family members with names, ages, hair and eye color printed on back
*Important phone numbers and addresses (include an out-of-state contact person)
*Money
*Games for children (chess set, cards, book, crayons, toys, etc)
*Pencils and markers
*Blank paper
*Duct tape
Additional Information:
Food rations are identical for adult or child. Remember to keep your pack light enough to carry at least two miles; everything listed should be 72-hour need sizes or quantities. Make sure the food in your families kits are foods they WILL eat. Have foods that do not require a lot of water and are high in calories and suit your tastes. . Nursing mothers might consider formula as an emergency. Remember, water is always scarce in emergencies.
