subject: Seventy-two Hour Kits Protect You In Emergencies [print this page] Having a seventy-two hour kit on hand is great physical and mental preparedness. You never know when a natural disaster will strike. The severe storms often come in winter or times of inclement weather. Seventy-two hour kits don't have to be overly expensive and you don't need every camping item known to man, but there are necessities that will insure you safety and protection from the next storm or power outage.
A heat source like a propane heater or fireplace is essential. If you are freezing it doesn't matter how much food you have. A generator is a wonderful investment if you can afford one. With a generator, you can keep refrigerators and freezers up and running, run space heaters, appliances for cooking, and even your hot chocolate/latte machine. A couple of heavy, extra blankets are a good idea. If your water is on keep it running slowly to avoid frozen pipes. Keep your faucets repaired, your fireplace working and make sure you store plenty of gasoline for a generator and wood for your fireplace.
Power outages from severe storms usually last up to 72 hours, this is a critical time to be self-reliant and have a little extra to help your neighbors. After heat source, second comes food and water. Store food that doesn't have to be cooked. On the other hand, you can purchase a camp stove and propane. Always store these two together! Canned tuna, beans, canned meat, crackers, cereal for munching, granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, canned juice, and a little candy will help the event be less stressful.
There are times when you must evacuate your home. Keeping a 72-hour kit handy will make these evacuations much easier. Have a coloring book, little toys, and treats for children. Make sure you store a can opener in your 72-hour kit along with matches, lighter, battery powered radio (with batteries!), a pocketknife, rope and toiletries. A little toilet paper, hygiene supplies, feminine products, sanitizer, soap, and shampoo. Store these items separate from food in a Rubbermaid container or like product to keep the smells of cleaners away from food.
Make sure you have a couple of day's supply of essential medicines available. A power outage might seem like a great camping trip for children, but if you have a diabetic at home, it could be serious. A duffle bag or backpack works great to store all your stuff, or even a cooler on wheels.
Be prepared and you don't have to worry. A little food, a few blankets, your house in good repair including faucet repair, a generator or heat source to avoid frozen pipes or damaged goods in refrigerator or freezer. Some water, a little toilet paper and supplies and you are ready to weather any storm. Preparedness brings peace of mind!
