How to Make a 72 Hour Emergency Kit

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By teishahall
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Make a 72 Hour Emergency Kit

Floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters are just something that comes with living life. You should always be prepared to leave at a moments notice with everything you will need all in one place.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Large plastic tote or container
variety of items explained in the article

Step 1

A 72 hour kit contains the necessary items to help you through an emergency until outside help can be obtained. This includes food, water, basic shelter, light, heat, first aid, and important documents. The contents should have a long shelf life and should be checked no less than every 6 months. Contents should be packed and ready to transport at a moments notice.
Step 2

Start with food: A three day supply of food requiring no refrigeration or cooking. For example, canned tuna fish, canned orange or tomato juice, graham crackers, dried fruit, nonfat dry milk, and peanut butter. Another option is MRE's that stands for meals ready to eat. You can find them at sporting goods stores or army surpluses.
Place all items in a large plastic tote, or even a suitcase.
Step 3

Water: 1 gallon per person- if dehydrated foods are used, more water may be necassary. Keep water in washed out milk containers, or 2 liter pop bottles.
Bedding: Blanket, cloth sheet and plastic sheet.
Clothing: One complete change of clothes for each person.
Step 4

Personal supplies: Toiletries, toilet paper, personal hygiene, personal medications and medical info such as a medical cards.
Fuel and Light: Matches (water proof are best) signal flare, battery powered light (include the batteries) and candles.
Step 5

Equipment: can opener, utensils, flashlight, shovel, dishpan, bucket, dishes, and a radio (battery powered). Also include a first aid kit (see my article on how to make a first aid kit).
Personal Documents: Genealogy records, wills, insurance policies, contracts, passports, birth certificates, etc.
Step 6

You can also have cash in your 72 hour kit. (optional) Some optional items include: water purification tablets, tent, rain gear, rope, winter coat, and a sewing kit. Keep all these items in either a large container, or a suitcase. Place it where everyone in the house knows it is. Have this on hand and you can face any disaster.