72 Hour Kit (Bug Out Bag)

We know we should all have a 72 hour kit, don't we? But do we have one? For each person in our family? Let's start on yours now.

What REALLY needs to go into the 72 hour kit?

This kit/bag should contain the basics you will need to survive for a minimum of 72 hours. Even though the list below looks quite extensive (and maybe intimidating), choose the items that suit your family. Don't overload the pack.

Another alternative would be to buy one basic Tote-N'-Go Kit for each family member. It has all that is needed to sustain one person for 72 hours: items for warmth and shelter, heat and light, food and water, personal hygiene, a first aid kit, and even includes the nylon tote bag to neatly contain everything. And it's very affordable.

The container must be portable.

Everything you need must be organized and squeezed into a portable container small enough for you to carry. I personally think a backpack is the most versatile and easiest to carry. Even smaller children can carry a small backpack with some of their own belongings tucked inside.

Another easy option for those who are young or old is a suitcase (or backpack) with a handle and wheels.

But don't wait until you have the perfect container to start your 72 hour kit. Begin by assembling the items and the find a container to hold everything. It might be even better to use two containers for one kit, providing the person is strong enough to carry more than one. One might be used for food and water, and the other for clothing and hygiene items. It is best if the containers you choose are waterproof also.

Okay, let's get started:

Food and Water

(A three-day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available)

• Protein/Granola Bars
• Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
• Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
• Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc ("pop-top" cans that open without a can-opener may explode as the tops are not as stable as regular cans)
• Juice in foil packets
• Candy (not anything that will melt) and gum
• Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters Per Person)

Bedding and Clothing

• Change of Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
• Undergarments
• Lightweight Rain Coat/Poncho
• Blankets and Emergency Heat Blankets (that keep in warmth)
• Cloth Sheet
• Plastic Sheet

Fuel and Light

• Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps, etc.) with fresh batteries!
• Extra Batteries
• Flares
• Candles
• Lighter
• Water-Proof Matches

Equipment

• Can Opener
• Dishes/Utensils
• Shovel
• Radio (with batteries!)
• Pen and Paper
• Axe
• Pocket Knife
• Rope

Personal Supplies and Medication

• First Aid Supplies
• Toiletries (roll of toilet paper- remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc.)
• Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc.)
• Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)
• Prescription Medication (for 3 days)
• Extra eye glasses or contacts.

Personal Documents and Money

• Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc) (See the Survival Planner for more detail for your documents.)
• Vaccination Papers
• Insurance Policies
• Cash
• Credit Card
• Pre-Paid Phone Cards

Miscellaneous

• Assorted sizes of plastic bags (can be used for storage, sanitation, garbage, etc.)
• Infant Needs (if applicable)

Notes:

1. Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged.
2. Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
3. Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.

Personalize this 72 hour kit list for your family. Add or subtract according to likes, dislikes, and needs of each person.