How to Make an Emergency 72-Hour Kit

Have an emergency 72 hour kit on hand for the worst case scenario. You will hopefully never need to fully utilize your emergency 72 hour kit, but if there comes a time when you do, it can truly be a lifesaver. The kit should include the essentials for sustaining life and limb for a minimum of three days. You can make your own emergency 72 hour kit and save money over purchasing one. Making your own also lets you control what is included in the emergency 72 hour kit, tailoring it to the needs of your family. Here's how to assemble your basic emergency 72 hour kit:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   One of the most important things to include in your emergency 72 hour kit is water. Bottled water should be rotated frequently; specialty boxed water packaged for rations is better and has a five-year shelf life. Also include water purification tablets and a water purifying bottle.

2. 

   Add food rations to the emergency 72 hour kit. Simple chocolate high-energy nutrition bars (not diet bars) are a good start. Freeze-dried meals are another great item to include.

3. 
   Shelter

   Include a tube tent or compact tent that can fit you and your family; shelter is another crucial element for the emergency 72 hour kit. The kit may need two or more tents if you have a large household.

4. 
   Knife tools

   Add a utility tool or pocket knife to the emergency 72 hour kit. A multipurpose pocketknife will be a much-needed item in many emergency or survivalist situations. Add matches in a waterproof container and a 30-hour candle or two.

5. 
   Communication

   Find a radio to put in the emergency 72 hour kit. One that receives AM/FM signals and allows two-way communication is ideal.

6. 

   Make a first aid kit as part of your emergency preparedness stash. Include bandages, instant ice packs, medications family members must take, antiseptic wipes and aspirin in the emergency 72-hour kit.

7. 
   Hygiene

   Find extra new toothbrushes and travel size hygiene items such as toothpaste, soap and antibacterial hand cleanser to include in the family emergency preparedness kit.

8. 
   Pack it.

   Pack all of the emergency 72 hour kit items into a strong backpack, preferably one that is waterproof. You may need two or more backpacks to fit everything, depending on the size of the family. Be sure each backpack has some of every item.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the emergency preparedness kit in an easily accessible spot.
• Make sure all family members know where the emergency kits are and who is responsible for grabbing them in an emergency.
• Store a 72-hour emergency kit in your car and at your office. You never know where you will be when disaster strikes.
• Rotate and replace water and food items yearly.

[EatTheSnot]

on 11/20/2008 You can all so add chem-lights (glow sticks) as well. Most last for 12 hours and you don't have to worry about having around children because there is no flame.