Tornado season is upon us and already there has been an outbreak of twisters across the heartland of America. Are you ready for this or some other disaster? Now is the time to either check the supplies in your 72 hour kit or pack one. It’s estimated that it takes 3 days for relief to get into an area where a natural disaster has occurred. Your 72 hour kit could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
Your kit should be tailor made to suit your family’s needs and adjusted according to the size of your family, but you should have the following essential items kept separately from your normal everyday household items.
Clothing and warmth items:
At least one complete change of clothing for each member of the family (include extra socks, underwear, shirts, hats, gloves, mittens and sturdy shoes)
A comfort kit including soap, shampoo, razors, sanitary items, toilet paper, toothbrush and cleaner.
Tent or other shelter
Blankets and/or sleeping bags
Rain gear/poncho/slicker
Reflective gear
Food/Water:
One gallon per person per day is the minimum amount of water you should have on hand. Don’t forget extra for pets.
Method of water purification including extra storage container
Waterproof matches plus a second method to start a fire
72 hours of food* High protein easily cooked or rehydrated foods are better in an emergency situation. Foods such as energy bars, nuts, sunflower seeds, beef jerky, dried fruit, MRE’s, tuna packs, etc* If you are including foods that need to be heated up, include a heat source, pots, pans, can opener, etc* Plastic utensils and camp style cup and plates
Emergency essentials:
First Aid Kit
Burn gel and dressing
Pain Medication
Antihistamine
Axe/hatchet
Whistle with neck or wrist cord
Multi-tool
Nylon Rope
Map
Duct Tape
Signal Mirror
Pocket Knife
Light Sources and Communications:
Flashlights with extra batteries
Headlamp
Glow Sticks
Candle
Radio that also has weather band info and extra batteries or extra source of power
2-Way Radios with extra batteries
Personal Information:
Copies of legal papers such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, wills, and insurance forms stored in water proof zip lock bags. If you’ve created a Grab-n-Go Binder, you already have these documents in place.
Credit card information and insurance information stored in water proof zip lock bags
Other Items:
Games, books, cards, or other sources to entertain and relieve the stress from yourself and your family
Money on hand in small bills including some change as well
Sunblock and/or insect repellant
Special medications, extra glasses etc
Zippered Storage bags/trash bags
Baby wipes can be used for all kinds of cleaning
Your 72 hour kit should be in a portable container near an exit of your house or in the safe room of your home. Each family member should have their own 72 hour kit that they can carry. Be sure to personalize your 72 hour kit for each member of the family. Adjust clothing for winter or summer needs. Check your kit every 6 months and rotate items that are soon to expire.
This is just the basic framework for your 72 hour kit. Now you need to think further. Do you have small children? Do you have pets? Do you have a special needs family member? Do you care for an elderly parent? If the answer is yes, you need to adapt your 72 hour kit for them as well.
Practice is also essential when it comes to your survival. You need to have a plan and run some drills. You should know exactly where your kit is. You should know how quickly you can get it loaded into your vehicle should you have to evacuate. The more familiar you and your family are with your gear and how to use it, the more likely you will be calm and level headed in an emergency.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Lisa the Survival Mom for this contribution to the Daily Caller. Her website is http://thesurvivalmom.com/ and she has a new book coming out March 13, take a look at it here http://www.harpercollins.com/book/pre-order.aspx?isbn13=9780062089465