72 hour kits - what to put in them?

[Annie H]

We can list things that different regions will need. For instance, someone in Alaska will need different supplies than someone in Africa. Let's start compiling ideas!

[Kzim4]

Well, I'm in Arizona, and this is what I'd like to have in my kit (once it's complete):
Water (1 gallon per person perday)
Sunscreen
Toilet paper (not something I personally want to be without)
Food ( I would like to have 3 meals per person per day and would like it to be something that is "ready-to-eat" and can be eaten without heating if necessary)
Snacks (possibly fruit snacks and maybe suckers or something)
Activities for the kids (coloring books, work books, etc.)
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Deodorant
Clothes (at least one change for each person and extra pairs of socks)
Pull-ups for night time are a must!
Sleeping bags/tents ( I keep all my camping stuff together for "grab-n-go")
First Aid kit


I'm sure there sre things I'm forgetting, but, hey, that's why I'm here, right?

[Kathieo]

With my 72-hour kits I've also got space blankets, 100 feet of nylon rope, matches and a buddy burner, a collapsible shovel, a hatchet, a solar-powered radio, tent, change of clothes/shoes/socks, comb/brush, personal hygiene items, a book to read (scriptures, too), pad of paper with pen and pencil, crossword puzzle book (puzzle book for kids), and an envelope with some change and small bills in it). There's also a small first-aid kit and a small sewing kit in each, with a big first-aid box beside these individual buckets.

Some people also put copies of personal documents, saved in plastic, in theirs. I haven't got that far ahead yet, but it sounds wise.

[Kzim4]

Kathieo wrote:
With my 72-hour kits I've also got space blankets, 100 feet of nylon rope, matches and a buddy burner, a collapsible shovel, a hatchet, a solar-powered radio, tent, change of clothes/shoes/socks, comb/brush, personal hygiene items, a book to read (scriptures, too), pad of paper with pen and pencil, crossword puzzle book (puzzle book for kids), and an envelope with some change and small bills in it). There's also a small first-aid kit and a small sewing kit in each, with a big first-aid box beside these individual buckets.

Some people also put copies of personal documents, saved in plastic, in theirs. I haven't got that far ahead yet, but it sounds wise.

See, I knew there was more

[startnover]

Flash lights (with batteries )
whistles
prescription medication/inhailers ext..
contac lens supplies
hand sanitizer
wet wipes (not just for babies, it works as a quick no-shower sulution)
Map
personal address/phone book.....
Always have a location to meet at!

[Annie H]

Ok, I'm going through this thread and categorizing the info everyone has provided. Let's try to expand to other threads so this thread doesn't get too very unwieldy.

Don't be afraid to start new threads!

[Kathieo]

AnnieH, I don't know HOW to start new threads. You need to realize that some of us (me, anyway) are expert word processors, but not very Internet-savvy. I'm good at research on the web, but don't know how to get into a chat room!

Anyway, I wanted to point out that a nurse told our group that we should keep large bottles of contact lens solution in our first-aid kits, because it's mild enough to wash out open wounds (without causing the skin trauma that alcohol and peroxide can create) and it's relatively cheap. That makes sense to me. Anything mild enough for our eyes is a lot milder than alcohol/peroxide!

[KarenT2]

I have a diabetic in my home. Does anyone have suggestions for foods that would be diabetic appropriate to put in the 72 hour kits?
I was looking for trail mixes in the recipezaar lists that might work a found a few that might be adjusted. Any other ideas?

[Kzim4]

KarenT2 wrote:
I have a diabetic in my home. Does anyone have suggestions for foods that would be diabetic appropriate to put in the 72 hour kits?
I was looking for trail mixes in the recipezaar lists that might work a found a few that might be adjusted. Any other ideas?

I would probably try the bars that are specifically made for diabetics, like Glucerna (I think). For a treat, the Russell Stover brand suger-free candies are good. I'll ask my mom if she has any other ideas. She was trying to find items for herself.

[UnknownChef86]

................................................................72-Hour Emergency Kit Ideas

Survival Food & Water
Water Filter/Purifier
Money
Stove/Burner/Grill/Fuel
Cooking Gear
Can Opener/Eating Utensils/Canteen
Dishrag/Dishwashing Liquid
Matches/Lighter
Lantern/Flashlight/Candles
First Aid Kit
Sewing & Repair Kit
Towel/Washcloth
Compass/Whistle
Metal Mirror
Rope/Twine/Cord
Camp Shower
Survival Manual
Important Documents
Fishing Gear/Pocket Knife
Shovel/Tools/Gloves
Toilet Tissue/Kleenex
Alarm Clock/Radio
Games/Entertainment
Soap/Shampoo/Toiletries
Sunblock/Insect Repellant/Mosquito Netting
Hand Warmers/Ice Packs
Sleeping Bag/Pillow/Bedding/Blanket
Fire Extinguisher
Clothing/Rain Gear/Umbrella/Hat
Books/Bible/Songbook
Tent/Tarp/Backpack
Trash Bags/Plastic Bags/Twist Ties
Pen/Pencil/Paper
Flares/Reflectors/Glowsticks


Food Ideas for 72-Hour Emergency Kits:
Water & water purification supplies
Beef Jerky, summer sausage, & other meats that require no refrigeration
Granola bars, energy bars, etc.
Just add water food and drink mixes
Dehydrated or freeze-dried foods
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
Soup mixes, bouillon cubes
Easy-open canned foods (soup, meat, meals, fruit, etc.)
Trail mix, gorp, nuts, etc.
Crackers, melba toast, & bread sticks
Peanut butter
Fruit leather (fruit roll-ups)
Hard candy
Chewing gum (comes in handy between brushing teeth)
Canned juice
Condiments (including salt)
Oil, lard, shortening, PAM spray, etc.
Sugar, honey, or other sweetener

[Annie H]

Annie H wrote:
Ok, I'm going through this thread and categorizing the info everyone has provided. Let's try to expand to other threads so this thread doesn't get too very unwieldy.

Don't be afraid to start new threads!

I posted this to the wrong thread!! lol It was supposed to go into the monster thread.

[Annie H]

Kathieo wrote:
AnnieH, I don't know HOW to start new threads. You need to realize that some of us (me, anyway) are expert word processors, but not very Internet-savvy. I'm good at research on the web, but don't know how to get into a chat room!

Anyway, I wanted to point out that a nurse told our group that we should keep large bottles of contact lens solution in our first-aid kits, because it's mild enough to wash out open wounds (without causing the skin trauma that alcohol and peroxide can create) and it's relatively cheap. That makes sense to me. Anything mild enough for our eyes is a lot milder than alcohol/peroxide!

Excellent idea about the contact solution! I always have at least a couple of bottle of that around since I buy mine from Costco. It comes in a three-pack huge bottles and it pretty inexpensive. It's also sterile when you first open it. It's important to note, for non-contact users, to never let the opening of the bottle touch anything and try to avoid splash-back. This will keep it cleaner longer.

ALSO, I'll post instructions on how to start new threads in the first post of the "Welcome" thread which is stickied at the top of the forum. Here is the link.

[Annie H]

Flip flops! I was just thinking about the things I would need if I rolled out of bed, grabbed the kids, and grabbed my 72 hour kit and ran. I wouldn't be wearing shoes but I might like them.

[Kathieo]

There was an article in the Readers' Digest a few years ago about a snowslide that came down a canyon in Utah, right into a family's dinette area. The wife and daughter were sitting at the table in front of the window, the husband was standing in the doorway area, when all of a sudden this avalanche came roaring down, right through the window, and buried the wife and daughter. The husband began frantically digging them out, and ending up having dozens and dozens of stitches in his hands because there were no gloves handy.

After the article I saw advice that we should have a pair of good shoes (at least slip-ons, maybe) and a pair of leather gloves right by our beds, and another set by the door that leads out to your car. Sounds smart to ME!

[Lovellama]

I'd like to see pictures of our 72 hour kits. I think that would help us (me!) a lot in figuring out how to start from scratch. The lists are great, but a picture is worth a thousand words.