72 Hour Kit

Different emergency kits:

-A 72 hour kit is food/ items on hand needed for 72 hours or 3 days. You plan on staying home, but do not have things such as electricity, running water, etc. This is things you know you need for 3 days, aside from clothing, bedding, and a roof over your head. A 72 hour kit is different from your BOB, but may be used in addition to your BOB for extra food and supplies. A 72 hour kit is something you have multiple of in the areas you are at the most, such as one at home, in your car, or even at school. These, generally, aren’t steered toward any one individual and you can have extra’s packed away for other guests. We are told the reason to plan for 72 hours, 3 days, is because that is how long it takes for emergency workers to reach some areas aka your home.

-A Bug Out Bag (BOB) is a kit planned for a major catastrophe where you need to grab and go and do not intend to return to your home for a period of time. This includes clothing, bedding, food, and supplies for “roughing it”, even in the wilderness.

-Food Storage is food set aside for 6 months to a year that will feed your entire family. You will rotate or use, and replace your food storage constantly. The purpose of food storage is not only for emergency, but for unplanned circumstances such as job loss.

-The Emergency Binder is a waterproof binder that includes valuable personal documents, irreplaceable photographs of your family, and other information priceless to your family.

-A Family Bug Out Bag is a much larger version of the individual BOB and is intended for an extreme emergency where you do not intent to have your family return home for an extended period of time.

  

Here is an example of a water bottle emergency kit. I made this as an example for our Relief Society activity. I also placed an extra battery in the whistle as opposed to matches. I chose to do this because the matches were already waterproofed enough thanks to the ziploc and the water bottle.

This is an example of a 72 hour kit that would be stored in a car or at work or school. This is the kit I talk about a little toward the end of the page.

These two could be placed together.

 

72 Hour Kit:

Find something to store it in. I assembled my kit first, than found the appropriate sized container to place it in. Some make this into a backpack and add some clothing and such, however I think that is the purpose of the BOB, not the 72 hour kit.

One of the smartest storage containers I have seen was a large can (such as for coffee beans or the tin can (opened with a soft edge can opener) that stored emergency food supply). You punch two holes on either side of the can and attach rope to carry it and add a plastic lid. This way your bucket doubles as a pot to boil water. Pack a lightweight cloth bag to put your stuff in while using the can as a pot, such as a folding cloth store bag. I have not used the can as a pot, but I have read it works well.

1. Medications, list of allergies of every family member, photos, emergency contacts, eye glasses, eye drops, contacts. Cash money in small bills and change.

2. Knife, flashlight, tweezers, scissors, matches, candle, homemade fire starters, mirror, needle, thread, fishing hook, fishing line, whistle, compass, aspirin, first aid kit, radio. These are not exactly a necessity in every kit, however I do recommend some of them.

3. Toilet paper, pads, tampons, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, mouthwash, baby wipes, wash cloth, hair ties, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, nail clippers/ file, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.

4. Canteen, Some form of water purification, bandana x 2 to filter water, dish soap, can opener, metal food utensils, plate, bowl.

5. Zip locks. You will be amazed at how useful these babies are. I add 2 of each size (sandwich, quart, snack, and gallon), 2 trash bags.

6. For Adults and especially children add pad of paper, pencils, cards, small book. Just something to keep them entertained and your mind off the matter at hand. You may also add an emergency book and permanent marker.

7. Candy/ treat. This can be gum, hard candies, suckers, etc. It is amazing how a small treat can uplift your spirits. Do not replace food with candy and junk snacks.

8. Food, water and plastic (or real) utensils for 3 days. Choose items that need no refrigeration or difficult cooking preparation.
Water is 1 gallon or 4 quarts per person per day. Note that if you are pregnant or nursing, I would pack double the amount of food and water. Try to at least pack 4-8 water bottles.

I have some ideas for food in my notes and food suggestions page.

9. Optional: Folding umbrella (also to be used to keep the sun off of you), thermal blanket, poncho, hand warmers.

**Make sure to read the important notes section**

Here is example of a 72 hour kit that I made at the drop of a hat to test myself:
1 large 2 liter container. I purchased this at Dollar Tree a while back and used it for storing flour at one point. It is plastic, hexagonal, and tall with a screw on lid. It also has some measurements on it. Include a measurement conversion chart in your kit.
2 cans of food. I choose a meaty soup and a can of fruit. The fruit will provide energy and something sweet.
toothbrush, toothpaste, and a bar of soap. I got these from a hotel forever ago.
1 package of Ritz crackers
1 empty, clean baby food jar with a homemade beeswax candle in it. The candle is just a regular votive size. I prefer beeswax candles because they burn brighter, longer, and release antibacterial fumes and cause all dust particles in the air to fall. They are wonderful if you are sick or around a lot of dust.
I combined the following in a sandwich Ziploc:
3 packages of instant oatmeal
3 packages of hot coco mix
6 individual packets of drink mix
a Ziploc with several plastic spoons in it
After stuffing this stuff at the bottom of the container, I stuffed as many granola bars in the crevasses as possible. I was able to fit 5, with a good amount of room left over. With this space, I added things like a flash light, hand sanitizer, some band-aids, super glue (for large cuts), alcohol swabs, some individually and labeled ibuprofen (Always label medication and do not store them in the same Ziploc), hand wipes, a small knife, a small multi-tool, a small measuring tape, a match book (like one you get from a restaurant) with 3 needles through the side and thread or fish line wrapped around the middle several times, prepackaged tissue, a small can opener, a whistle, small mirror, a small pad of paper, and a small pencil such as the ones at golf courses. I also have a card with our families information on it.
So, as you can see, the kit was stuffed and I had a lot of things I would need, but was it perfect? Not at all. I know there are things I want to still add (such as toilet paper), and a few things that I probably wont use, but it is a start and more than most can say. I just assembled this one in 5 minutes with whatever popped into my head as I ran around the house. I was missing all clothing and water, but this type of kit would be good in a car or office. I have always made it a habit of keeping a case of bottled water in the car, mainly because I live in Arizona, but I think this is a habit everyone needs to start.

Pet 72 hour kit/ BOB:

Pet medication

Cage (if needed)

Leash, Collar

Pet sweater/ clothes/ shoes; your pet does not need more than one pair.

Copy of vaccination list

Treats

Food, can opener

Water

Toy's

Although many of you will disagree, Animals such as dogs or cats can be just fine for a few days without food- just saying. I beleive that pets are still members of the family and should be taken along if at all possible, but your human family takes priority. Make sure you know how to properly take care of your pet in emergency, such as pet CPR, how to give them medications, etc.