What should a 72 hour kit contain

We should clarify that this reduced water recommendation is strictly for limiting the weight of your hour kit if you need to evacuate. In many emergency situations, you will not have to evacuate your home and may simply be without power or running water. We recommend storing the maximum amount of drinking water—at least one gallon per person for three days—in your home food storage. Only for emergencies where you need to evacuate do we recommend reducing water weight.

Non-perishable food. You need enough food for three meals per day per person for three days. We suggests packing any of the following non-perishable, non-cook food items:. To see pack-friendly items like those above, go here. One of the more common mistakes for hour kits starts with the backpack. Choose a backpack that has multiple compartments in which you can divide your survival gear. Sifting through an unorganized pack, where everything is jumbled into the same large compartment can be frustrating and time consuming.

By subdividing your stuff into different pockets you can access what you need quickly. Amazon has a variety of military-style packs to choose from. Can opener. Having a knife with a large, fixed, non-foldable blade, may come in handy if you find yourself needing to cut through large items or cut for a long time. Make sure to pack a durable, lightweight flashlight. Check Amazon prices on the Fenix E Emergency two-way radio. Keeping yourself informed and having the ability to communicate during an emergency is invaluable.

We really like this model because it also works as a NOAA weather radio and automatically scans for weather alerts. BiC Lighter. However, every disaster situation is different and you may find yourself in need of a fire. Add a few BIC lighter's to your pack, in case you need to build a fire. Matches are virtually weightless, so you can still throw them in as a backup if you prefer. Extra batteries.

All of your emergency electronics need power, and 72 hours is a long time to go between charges. Make sure to have an ample supply of backup batteries for your flashlights, radios, and any other emergency electronics you decide to pack.

You might even consider ordering a solar charger from Amazon for your phone. Gloves can also be used to sheathe a pair of scissors or other sharp utensils you may have in your pack. Also, make sure to store your packs inside the tent at all times. Like many other items in your survival kit, ponchos are a versatile survival item that can be used for more than just the obvious.

We suggest finding a quality poncho made from rip-resistant nylon, rather than going for a cheap plastic version. Something like like this is a relatively cheap option on Amazon. We really like these Mylar thermal blankets on Amazon.

First aid supplies. First aid kits are essential to have in an emergency, and there are tons of premade options available on Amazon.

We like this one , since it has all the essential medical supplies and is relatively inexpensive. Make sure to cover the basics to deal with pain, in case you or someone in your family is injured during the emergency. Dust mask. The likelihood of dust and debris is high in any emergency situation.

Make sure to have some dust masks in your pack to protect your lungs. You can get a Pack on Amazon for super cheap. Change of clothes. Because we can never know when a disaster will hit, be sure to pack a change of clothes for each season. This is a given; plus, your mom will be proud you remembered a clean pair.

Depending on the disaster, your credit cards may not work. Keep enough cash on you to survive for a week.

Other valuables to have:. Infant needs. Cup, plate, knife, fork, spoon set. Check Amazon prices for something like this camping mess kit that works great for a pack. Some people prefer to go minimalist on utensil sets, but with a lightweight set we prefer to not go without.

Amazon lets you choose the length up to 20 feet. Duct tape. Duct tape seems to be the fix-all solution, and it really is valuable in all sorts of situations. Check out some useful duct tape survival tips. An emergency whistle will allow you to signal for help, alerting relief parties to your whereabouts.

Hatchets provide multiple uses beyond chopping wood. Here are six unique survival uses for your hatchet. This hatchet on Amazon is a great utility tool for your hour kit. Sleeping bag. You can make do without one by wrapping yourself in multiple thermal blankets, or Amazon sells an awesome Tummah Emergency Survival Mylar Thermal Sleeping Bag that weighs less than 4 ounces.

Cloth and plastic sheets can come in handy for ground-cloths, tablecloths, bandaging, food covers, etc. A shovel is another multipurpose tool that comes in handy in a pinch. A military folding shovel, like this one from Amazon, lets you dig, saw, chop, cut, pick, pry, hammer, and even open bottles. Or, after the hurricane passes, it could be days or weeks before you can return home. So create two plans: one for evacuation, the other for sheltering in place.

Print and laminate each, if you can. There's a chance you'll be evacuating or sheltering for a long time, depending upon regional damage. Plan to include rain gear raincoat or poncho, waterproof boots , extra changes of clothing and waterproof matches or lighters. Also, seal your important documents — including cash — in a waterproof plastic bag.

Additional hurricane kit items can include water purification tablets, towels, duct tape, scissors and work gloves. Once an impending hurricane is announced, people often panic, making it difficult to gain access to even the most basic supplies. Earthquakes often happen without any notice at all. You may need tools to quickly shut off utilities.

Also, consider a fire extinguisher in case falling debris severs gas or electrical lines. Extra dust masks can protect you against breathing in dust from falling debris. You might also need other tools, such as a shovel, ax, broom and rope. If you live in a building with upper floors, have a rope ladder handy for a quick escape. Pack each person a pair of sturdy shoes with thick soles to protect feet from broken glass, wood splinters, nails and other debris.

Store your emergency kit supplies in duffel bags, rolling bins including coolers or suitcases or other easy-to-grab containers. Watertight is best. Be sure household members will be able to lift any emergency containers. Keep your kit in a dry area of your home. Refresh the contents every year. Everything has to be prepared in a sturdy case so no outside materials can get inside. All of these materials must be secured in their sterile packages too. Bring a few flashlights with you inside your kit.

Although battery-powered options are useful, you might benefit more from crank-powered lights that operate off of kinetic energy. But if you do wish to bring battery-powered ones, you should at least bring along plenty of extra batteries just to be safe.

Flares may also be used if you have an emergency and you need to signal that you are stuck somewhere. Bring plenty of flares with you and make sure you know how they work. Try to avoid bringing candles or matches if possible. Although they can produce light, you should avoid them as they are flammable and could be risky for your use depending on where you are going. Also, those materials may not last as long as a flashlight. A portable radio that has access to weather stations and other information channels is always worth having.

Make sure you get the right batteries for it. A crank-operated radio is also ideal for how it does not need any batteries for its use. Be certain that you know how well the radio can be used and that you have an idea of what stations are available where you are. Always keep your documents updated and switch them out depending on when any changes are noted in those papers.

It is best to get your wallet or purse out with you, especially with it already containing the vital items you need. The copies must then be added to your bag so you have them on hand. Feel free to add some books and writing utensils or even some board games with you. It never hurts to bring things to keep the kids occupied if you have any younger people in your party. Bring things that will keep them entertained while ensuring that they will not feel overly worried or concerned about what might happen.

Make sure you get a bag or even a few bags for storing your hour kit. A good rule of thumb is to have one bag for every person who will be traveling with you. This should be enough to get everyone in your party covered while being able to sort through each bag to prepare the correct inventory.

You can still try to get everything in one duffel bag, if possible. Multiple bags can be useful provided you request that others in your party carry them along. Those people should be willing to carry what you have secured if necessary.

Be certain that everyone in your party is protected if you have to evacuate your home for a period. Get your hour kit prepared today. Be sure you plan a schedule for when you will check on the bag and replace anything inside of it too. Brinks Home Security is one of the oldest home security system companies and is well known throughout the nation. Learn about the pros and cons of Brinks in our review.

Ensuring that the baby is safe is the priority of every parent or guardian.