Here are the assumptions you need to think about when planning your 72 hour kits:
(These are general assumptions if you want to see what kind of emergencies are most likely in your area check out www.weather.com/ready click on the map to find what you should plan for)
Planning Assumptions
- Electricity will be out for 3-4 days.
- Drinkable water will not be available for 2-3 days.
- Telephone service will be out
- Gasoline pumps will not be working.
- Trees and debris or flooding will block some roadways.
- Minor medical services will be required.
- Emergency services (police, fire, and rescue) will be unavailable for 2-3 days.
Food
You should always have three days worth of non-perishable food (that does not require refrigeration.) Examples include: canned meats and vegetables, canned milk and juice, peanut butter, granola/energy bars, crackers, cookies, candy and food that meets special dietary needs. Your supplies should be checked and/or replaced every six months. (Review them when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.) Make sure to include a manual can opener and cooking utensils.
Drinking Water
Keep a minimum of three gallons of drinking water for each person in your household. In a disaster water may become contaminated or pipes may break leaving you without safe water.
Water for Cooking and Cleaning
In addition to drinking water, you also need three days worth of water for cooking meals and personal hygiene. Another gallon per person per day is the rule of thumb.
Medication
Have at least one week's worth of critical medications in case of emergency. In addition, a comprehensive first aid kit is critical.
Children
Emergencies can be overwhelming to kids. Have an activity kit ready for them. Suggested items are: favorite books, crayons & coloring books, stuffed animals, dolls, cards, board games.
Elderly
Physical strain is difficult for the elderly. They are especially susceptible to heat and dehydration. Take extra precautions to keep them cool and well hydrated. Make sure to stock up on all required medications. If you have a relative in an assisted living residence, learn about their plans for dealing with disaster and evacuation.
Mentally or Physically Challenged Individuals
Make sure to consider how mentally or physically challenged relatives condition will affect them during an emergency. If they take medication or require the use of specialized equipment, make sure that you have enough to last a week. If you don't live with this gingival, contact their local police department or caregiver and find out what local officials are doing to ensure their safety.
Pets
Not all shelters allow pets because of hygiene issues. Contact your local emergency shelters and find out their policy. If you are allowed to bring your pet, you will have to show a copy of their latest vaccination record. Also, make sure your pet has a leash, collar, ID tag, food, water, bowls for food and water, and a carrying case. DO NOT ABANDON YOUR PET. If your home is not safe for you, it's not safe for them. Locate pet-friendly motels nearby and keep their phone numbers handy. Have three days of food and water for your pet on hand.
Now that you have some assumptions in mind here are some ideas as to what to have in your 72 hour kits...
https://registration.weather.com/ursa/ready/formNow I know what you are thinking... this is gonna be a lot of work.. but I must say start small... after Tyler and I got married. Our 72 hour kits started in a gallon sized Ziploc bag.. and all it had it it was free stuff we had taken from a hotel room, a sewing kit, shampoo, conditioner, travel sized soap, etc. From there we got back packs: (and no we still don't have everything, but a good start)
That is the next thing to think about... where and what are you gonna store all this good stuff in:
I like the backpack idea, but have figured out... there is a lot of stuff to put in a back pack.. at some point the boys are going to have to carry some of their own stuff, of course a great idea came from my sister in law: she has a back pack for everybody and they are all stored in a rolling tote(Rubber maid hard plastic): so if she can she just throw the rolling tote in the car and go, if that isn't possible they roll the tote as far as possible and then carry the backpacks from there. If rolling isn't a good idea, they put their back packs on and get a move on... Tyler and I love the idea of "rolling with the punches" wheels would make it a lot easier, especially for the elderly who can't carry much! (Of course if sheltering in place is he best option, then you don't have to take your packs anywhere)
I personally have a stroller in my car as well as at home waiting if I need it. with little ones who can't "carry their own weight" this is a must! Carrying your children is not a very good plan if you plan on getting very far or getting anywhere very fast!.. (of course if flood waters are deep-strollers won't work)
So find out what emergencies you need to plan for, how you are gonna store it, and where, then start collecting- most of the stuff you already have around your house. Now for the first-aid kits, the best way to get started is to go buy a kit already put together at wal-mart (or other like stores) they usually cost about $10 and have all the essentials named in the link above.. (gloves, antacids, bandages, gauze... etc) if you want to add to it.. great!.. but it will get you headed in the right direction)
And you have to remember if you are told to evacuate.. do it! There are always thing outside of your 72 hour kit that most people would want to take if the idea is the your house will not be standing there when you get back: (things on my list)
1. the dogs- People and pets are the most important!
2. my pictures- Everything can be replaced except pictures
3. our fire box with all the important documents (some important docs should be in your 72 hour kits too)
4. any extra water
And one hint to always be prepared: keep you gas tank on the top half- you get better gas mileage and you might be able to get a little further if needed.
Oh and other good links to check out:
Ready.gov - they have a great place for kids to "get ready too!"
FEMA.gov - they have a plan for ya
beprepared.com - they have already-made 72 hour kits that you can buy or just steal ideas from
ok so this is already mondo long so I will be adding more posts later: I know there will atleast be posts on car kits, office kits, school kits and the like.. have any specific quesitons about what is stated above or what is to come... just leave a comment for me.. thanks! and good luck packing!
