The spotlight today focused on the need for a 72 hour kit. As always, the reason that we have a 72 hour kit is because the prophet has advised us to have one for any emergency that may occur in our lives.
72 Hour Kits
You may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means having your own water, food, and emergency supplies. Decide what kind of container (Rubbermaid Totes, suitcases, duffle bags, backpacks, etc.) you could use to keep your supplies together and then plan on what kinds of things you need to put together for your family and yourself. The following is a list of items that are important. Use this list as a guide in planning your own 72 hour kit. You may think of others important to you that are not on the list. Remember to prioritize the items you will include as you may not have the room to include them all. Much of this information was taken from: “Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness” written by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Washington, DC., www.fema.gov
Water: the absolute necessity
Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your family members. Individual needs vary depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate. A normally active person needs at least two quarts of water daily for just drinking. Children, nursing mothers and ill people need more. Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed. You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day because you will need water for sanitary purposes and, possibly for cooking. Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass, or enamel-lined metal containers. Don’t use containers that can break, such as glass bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Sound plastic containers, such as soft drink/juice bottles are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums. Purchased water can also be used. Seal your water containers tightly, label them, and store them in a cool, dark place. It is important to change stored water every six months.
Food: Preparing an emergency supply
You don’t need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Canned foods do not require cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener. Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is fairly cool. To protect boxed foods from pests and to extend their shelf life, store the food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers. Replace the food supply every six months. Date each food item with a marker. Food items you might consider include: ready-to-eat meals (MRE’s), fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy; cereals and powdered milk.
First Aid Supplies
The basics for your first aid kit should include: First aid manual; sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes; safety pins; cleansing agents (alcohol, peroxide, soap, germicide); antibiotic ointment; latex gloves; gauze pads and rolled bandages; cotton balls; scissors, tweezers, needle, antiseptic; thermometer; sunscreen, etc. Prescription medications may be difficult to obtain during a disaster because stores may be closed or have limited supplies. Ask your physician about storing prescription medications. Watch for expiration dates. Consider having the following nonprescription drugs in your disaster kit: aspirin, nonaspirin pain relievers; anti-diarrhea medication; antacid for stomach upset; syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting if advised by the poison control center; laxative, vitamins, etc.
Tools and emergency supplies
A portable battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries; flashlight and extra batteries; matches in a waterproof container; shut-off wrench or pliers, shovel, hammer/axe, other tools; duct tape and scissors, plastic sheeting; tube tent or regular tent; compass; work gloves; paper, pens, pencil; needle and thread; paper plates and plastic utensils; all-purpose knife; liquid bleach to treat water; sugar, salt and pepper; resealing plastic bags; small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel; washcloth and towel; soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent; shampoo, deodorant, comb/brush, razor, lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray, feminine supplies; heavy duty plastic garbage bags and ties; toilet paper; medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid; disinfectant, small shovel for digging a latrine. Household documents and contact numbers: personal identification, cash including small bills and change, telephone cards; copies of birth, marriage certificates; driver’s license, social security card; passport; wills, deeds, inventory of household goods; insurance papers, immunization records, credit card numbers; stock and bonds. Be sure to keep these in a water-tight container. Emergency contact numbers, map of the area; phone number of places where you can go; extra set of car and house keys
Clothing and bedding
One complete change of clothing and footwear for each family member. Shoes should be sturdy work shoes or boots. Rain gear, hat and gloves, extra socks, extra underwear, thermal underwear, sunglasses. Blankets or a sleeping bag for each family member; pillows.
Specialty items
Remember to consider the needs of infants, elderly persons, disabled persons, and pets and to include entertainment and comfort items for children; books, games, quiet toys and stuffed animals.
You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days, even a week or longer. Or you may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably won’t have the opportunity to shop or search for supplies you’ll need. Your household will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.
You may not be able to take all of the items that are listed. Prioritize the items that you can take based on the storage container you will be using and how many will be in your family together.
TODAY’S ASSIGNMENT:
Plan your supplies, get your storage container, and then fill the container. Make a list of items you don’t currently have on hand and begin purchasing the items a few at a time each week.
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