The one thing most everyone that deals with emergency planning will agree on is that most people will be on their own during the first 72 hours of any major disaster. The extended power outages we experienced a few years ago, the heavy snowfalls that can confine people to their homes, and, of course, the earthquake we’ve been expecting for years and could occur any day could all force us to care for ourselves without much outside contact for a few days. In that case we would have to survive using our own devices, including a 72-hour kit, hopefully.

 

The following suggestions are passed along in an attempt to impress residents that putting together a 72-hour kit should not be an intimidating task. There are, of course, many websites and groups that will provide information about 72-hour kits and what should go in them. The information written here is from the National Preparedness Month (NPM) people who issued this information in September of this year as part of NPM. It is directed at providing basic information about what a 72-hour kit should be.

 

The most important thing to consider in preparing for a possible emergency is, “What are the basics I must have in order to survive?” The answer is: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth. Recommended items for a basic emergency supply kit are:

WATER – One gallon per person/per day for at least three days should handle both drinking and sanitation

FOOD – At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

RADIOS – Either battery-powered or hand cranked and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

FLASHLIGHT – One that provides adequate light and with extra batteries

FIRST-AID KIT –

WHISTLE – To signal for help

DUST MASK – To filter contaminated air. Also, plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.

TOWELETTES – Should be moist – Also, plastic bags with ties for personal sanitation

WRENCH/PLIERS – To turn off utilities

CAN OPENER

LOCAL MAPS

CELL PHONES – With Charger

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS –

 

Once beyond the basics as identified above, one might consider any or all or the following: baby formula and diapers, pet food and extra water, important family documents, cash or traveler’s checks, emergency reference material, sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person, change of clothing (consider cold weather), chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper, fire extinguisher, matches, feminine supplies, mess kits, paper and plastic eating utensils, paper and pencil, books, puzzles, games, etc.

 

Detailed help available at: www.unifiedfire.org