Preparing A 72-hour Kit
A 72-Hour Kit is an individual emergency supply that is compact enough to grab when in a hurry
, but still has all the necessities to last someone three full days. Putting a kit like this together can be stressful because many people don't know exactly what to put inside of them.
The first decision is what to put all of the stuff inside of. A somewhat large, sturdy backpack is recommended. This makes it easy to carry when on the go, and can be easily stored in closets, under beds, or in the car.
Make sure that you buy one that can withstand the elements and protect the gear inside of it. This means buying something that is waterproof and made of a strong material that can handle weight and wear without falling apart or ripping.
After finding the correct bag to house the supplies, make a list of essentials. If you are unable to think of what needs to go in there, start with the basic necessities for human beings.
This consists of food and water. Every kit should have at least one gallon of water per person. It is recommended that instead of having a one gallon jug, using several 12-ounce, plastic water bottles.
Plastic water bottles are preferable over glass, as glass can easily break, thus losing your water supply and getting everything else in the backpack wet. Plastic is more durable and versatile and will protect the water just the same.
The food that should be included in your pack should be dry or canned. These types of food last longer, are not spoiled by changing weather conditions, and are housed in packaging that protects them from water.
Insert things in your kit like protein and granola bars, trail mix, dry fruit, crackers, and cereal. Also include things like canned fruit, soup, sausages, and vegetables.
All of these things are packaged in air-tight or water proof plastic bags or cans, keeping them protected and preserved. These foods do not require any preparations, but can be eaten directly out of the package as-is.
Other essential materials that need to be included in your kit is bedding and clothing. Have at least one change of clothing, including short and long-sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, undergarments, and a poncho.
Include a compact blanket and heat blanket to keep you warm in cold weather. Having a plastic sheet that is waterproof can protect you and your blankets from any water that may be on the ground you sleep on.
Be sure that your pack has a flashlight that is reliable and durable enough to withstand the rain and being dropped. Have extra batteries just in case you run out at any time. Batteries are small, they don't take up much room and they weight next-to-nothing.
Having flares allow you to send out an emergency signal. You never know the situations you may find yourself in, so being able to start a fire with a lighter or waterproof matches will provide you warmth or allow you to cook food.
Your kit should have other odds-and-ends supplies, like a can opener (for your food that you should be able to eat), a small axe, a pocket knife, rope or strong twine, and a portable radio. You should consider a crank radio so that you don't have to worry about battery power.
It is very important to have a basic first aid kit with alcohol swabs, bandages, ace wraps, ointment, medications, etc. You should also have basic sanitary supplies like soap (unscented), feminine hygiene materials, and toilet paper.
Have a kit for every person in your family and have them located in an easily accessible place so that they can be grabbed when in a hurry. Many people choose to have them in their car as well as their house just in case a crisis arises when on the road.
by: Jack Landry
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