72 Hour Kit List

Make your own 72 hour kit

A photo I took of the ice storm in December of 2008 in upstate New York. The power was out for days and it was well below freezing. Before I had my 72 hour survival kits put together.

72 Hour Emergency Kits for Survival

These are Holly Deyo’s suggestions for preparing your own 72 Hour Emergency Kits.  For more information get her book “Dare to Prepare!”

Food And Water Items

One Person

Beef Jerky (very salty)
Canned Fruit Juices
Canned Meats, Vegetables and Fruits
Canned Soup, read-to-eat variety
Canned Tea and Soda Pop
Cookies
Dried Fruit
Granola, Power Bars and Trail Mix
Hard Candy and Chewing Gum
Heater Meals (this is a brand of non-refrigerated emergency food with its own heating element built in. No fires required. They are approximately US$6 each.)
Instant Coffee/Tea Bags/Whitener/Sugar
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
Peanut Butter and Crackers

Water, 3 gallons or 13 liters (1 gallon or 4 liters per person per day) – additional water may be needed for brushing teeth and hygiene

Manual Can Opener
Paper Plates, Plastic Eating Utensils, Disposable Cups (one each per meal plus extra cups)
Roll Paper Towels
1-Quart (1-litre) Containers with lids for purifying water, two so water can be poured back and forth to re-oxygenate
Water Purifying Tablets
Zip-loc Freezer Bags, gallon or 4 liter (1 box)
Zip-loc Freezer Bags, quart or 1 liter (1 box)
Aluminum Foil

General Supplies – 72 hour emergency kits

Camping Gear
First Aid Kit
Sleeping Bag, Bedroll, Swag or Thermal Blankets
Foam Pads to go under sleeping bag, bedroll, etc. especially for the elderly
Food and Water
Flashlight and extra batteries

Clothing
Complete change of comfortable clothing*
Current prescription glasses
Gas Mask,
Underwear, 2 sets

Communication Items
Radio (hand cranked or battery powered; if battery, include extra batteries)
Cell phone (it might work)
Note pad
Pencil, Pen
Phone numbers and addresses of friends/family
$200 in cash and change (during times of disaster, charge cards and checks can’t be verified)*

Latrine And General Hygiene
Liquid Bleach and Eyedropper (sprinkle in portable toilet to keep down bacteria and smell)
Sponge
Surgical Gloves, three pair (these are inexpensive and can be obtained in discount stores)
Toilet Paper, one roll per person
Trash Bags (three, for human waste and misc. rubbish)

Personal Hygiene
Body/Hand Lotion
Comb and Brush
Dental Floss
Deodorant
Liquid Soap for personal washing
Pre moistened Towelettes
Tampons/Sanitary napkins
Toothbrush
Toothpaste

Infant Supplies (if applicable)
Baby Powder
Blanket, spare
Bottles, spare
Diapers, disposable
Formula
Lotion
Pre-Moistened Towelettes
Teething Ring
Toys

Miscellaneous
Bible
Book for Pleasure Reading
Deck of Playing Cards and Board Games
Fire Extinguisher
Multi-Purpose Tool with knife, pliers, screwdrivers
Swiss Army Knife

Pet Care (if applicable)
Food and Food Bowl
Toys or Chew Bone
Water and Water Bowl, one gallon (4 liters) per dog per day. For a cat, it is about 1 pint.
Newspaper or litter box

Senior Care (if applicable)
Denture Care Items
Batteries, extra (for hearing aids)
Eye Glasses
Medications
Oxygen, Portable (extra tanks and hoses if this is required)
Prescriptions
Special Dietary Items
Warmer Clothing (generally the elderly have trouble with poor circulation and get cold easier.)

You are welcome to comment with your own ideas for building 72 hour kits.