Here is a basic list for putting together your family’s 72-hour disaster supply kit. Make sure to think about your family’s unique needs when tailoring this list to your own situation. Also consider your climate and what would be helpful to have to protect you from the elements.
Water
At a minimum, you should have one gallon of water for each person included in your kit. FEMA recommends two. These can be in one-gallon containers or smaller bottles for easier drinking. Buy unopened bottles instead of filling your own water.
Three days’ supply of food
Store three days of food. One great option is military MREs (meals ready to eat). They can be found online or at many camping and military surplus stores. These meals keep for 7 to 10 years. Another option is assembling your own meals using nonperishable foods. Check out this article for a sample three-day’s menu and shopping list for each person’s 72-hour kit.
Mess Kits or disposable bowls and silverware
Flashlight and batteries
Hand sanitizer
Emergency poncho or garbage bag
Emergency blanket
List of emergency phone numbers (police, family, friends, etc)
Hygiene Kit
Inside the hygiene kit keep supplies like toilet paper, combs, soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, etc.
Supplies for baby
Store three-days’ worth of diapers, wipes, baby food, and ready-to-drink formula. Even for babies that drink breast milk, it is a good idea to have formula and bottles in case mother cannot nurse because of shock or dehydration.
First-Aid kit
Buy a small, preassembled first-aid kit or make your own
Cash
In case you do not have access to your wallet or bank account, you should try to have some cash available in your 72-hour kit. For many, the goal is $200. For your family, you may decide on more or less than this.
Check back soon for more articles on 72-hour kits.
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