Suggestions for a 72 hour kit

2/11/2003 | Important vanity

[Utah Girl]

Since the alert level is now high, and there have been many articles and TV blurps about preparedness, I thought I would post suggestions for a 72 hour kit. I keep mine in my front hall closet of my home.

A lot of the stuff was lying around the house, I didn't buy hardly anything new. I did buy a solar, battery operated radio from Radio Shack for ten dollars. Here is the total list in one spot. I probably spent under 25 dollars for my kit, but I am single without children. The most money was buying the stuff for the first aid kit. One extra thing I threw in the first aid kit is four sanitray napkins. They work really well for compressing against a bleeding wound that needs to be staunched. I also store my sleeping bag and blanket right next to the 72 hour kit. I still use the sleeping bag when I go camping, so I didn't buy another one.

This 72 hour kit should meet the needs of your family. Use ready to eat foods your family will eat and hobbies and entertainment your family likes to do. Include individual medication as required by your family members. Whatever container is used should be portable. I use two duffel bags.

You should have:

Immediately available Battery powered radio Flashlight and extra batteries Emergency Needs Instruction Manuals on Emergency Preparedness Water storage Sleeping bags and blankets Sanitation Kit Plastic bucket with tight fitted lid Plastic bags and ties toilet paper disinfectant improvised toilet seat (for bucket) feminine hygiene needs paper towels soap paper cups paper plates plastic utensils can opener utility knife Stress Factors Children - coloring book, crayons Adults - books, needle work In the Car Standard First Aid Kit Blanket Flashlight and batteries Reflectors and flares Individual Medical Needs Suggested Additions Family Photographs Medical Information Sheet Insurance Information Identification for each Family Member Will or Trust Information (copies of each)

Food - Ready-to-eat Meats: canned Fruit Cocktail Peanut Butter Powdered Milk Infant Care: Canned milk and bottles Dried Fruit: (caution - drink plenty of water.) Raisins, prunes, fruit leather Crackers Stress Foods Sugar Cookies Sweetened Cereals Hard Candy Standard First Aid Kit First Aid manual Spirits of ammonia Scissors Table salt Baking soda Eye drops Safety pins Matches Adhesive or paper tape Bandages Telfa pads (4"x4") Triangle Bandage (37"x37"x37") Roll of Gauze Elastic Bandage Splints Popsicle sticks shingles or thin board 40 page newspaper or magazines Heavy String At least one change of clothing for everyone including shoes

I've also thrown in a sweatshirt with a hood, an inflatable pillow, my scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon)

[discostu]

The problem is this "plan" involves fleeing civilization, which might be necessary, but you're only heading out for 3 days. If the feces hits the rotating device so hard you need to get away from civilization completely you'll need at least a month. Not being one that believes in running for the hills my 72 hour survival kit is in my pockets: car keys, credit cards. If things get so bad they won't do me any good I hope I'm already dead.

[from occupied ga]

A couple of other posters mentioned this already, but I'll mention it again because it is such a glaring omission (At least to me). Where are the firearms and ammunition? One M-16 or AK-47 (or semiauto version and all should be same either M16 OR AK47) for each family member old enough to shoot. I believe one of the other posters mentioned 1000 rnds. I'd like to say 1000 per weapon. It isn't likely that you will have terrorists storming your house, but there are plenty of people who like to take advantage of unsettled situations (note the riots and/or looting that occur in extended power outages), and it's best if you have a way to deal with them. Permanently.

[RobFromGa]

Booze. If someone is addicted to that or tobacco

What about those of us addicted to Free Republic? Can you guarantee it will stay up through any dangers ahead?

[nina0113]

I don't think it even needs to be "decent" whiskey (that's the stuff I'll keep for myself). I hadn't considered using it as trade goods - I think a few cheap pints might come in very handy. And it will work fine for making bourbon ribs on the grill when this is all over & we're laughing at our paranoia.

On the sanitation kit - I'm upgrading to trash-compactor bags, not regular plastic - much stronger. For those who didn't grow up in the country with outhouses, a bag of lime will make the bucket more tolerable if it's ever necessary.

Walmart has tiny little sterno stoves for $5. Hot (instant) coffee is better than cold.

[Utah Girl]

We have Dugway, the infamous chemical biological agents depot, about 60 miles away from SLC. Dugway is now being used to dispose of the agents, but if the enemy could get through and bomb it, the consequences would be horrendous.

[kjam22]

Must have items... Television, VCR, and tape of the 2000 OU vs Texas game. OU 63 - Texas 14.

[arm958]

According to this thread, Salt Lake City is a potential target:

It won't be Salt Lake. Take that to the bank.

[RightWhale]

There will be no attack that would threaten civilization

Panic ought to do the job for a period of time. Then simple inability to feed the masses. The ones who aren't prepared shouldn't expect compassion from those who are. By the way, there are a lot of people who intend to run wild, looting and killing; that's the extent of their plan.

[geege]

Gotcha....well we're ready in that case!!!!

[rogers21774]

Don't forget a laptop with wireless internet connection. Don't want to be without FreeRepublic.com

[Freedom2specul8]

Please do post the list. I never understood how long canned food will last.. If I were to buy more than 6 cases of vegies for example..how often should they be rotated? Or how long will 6 cases last?

[kjam22]

What about those of us addicted to Free Republic? Can you guarantee it will stay up through any dangers ahead?

LOL.... oh yeah.... I'd count on that :)

[RobFromGa]

Utah Girl, need to add laptop with Internet connection to that 72 hour kit. Otherwise how will we stay informed?

[xsmommy]

Stress Factors Children - coloring book, crayons Adults - books, needle work

this made me smile, xs stands for cross-stitch...: )

[johnny7]

Uh-oh... Reynolds Wrap is selling out today. What the hell are you sheep thinking about?!

[mikegi]

I'm far more worried about the upcoming tornado season than I am about AQ. Fortunately, Georgia's tornado alley runs a few miles to my north (Canton->Gainesville).

[ConservativeLawyer]

Great post! Thanks for putting that together for us.

[Utah Girl]

You can call the company you bought the canned veggies from, they will be able to decipher the date code, and you can figure out the expiration date on the items. I posted the list right after 9/11, I'm going to ping everyone to it. The trick is to store what you and your family will eat.

[arm958]

I never understood how long canned food will last

I shipped dozens of cases of canned food on a hardship tour a few years ago. They were perfectly good two years later.

[Freedom2specul8]

Actually, I've always "some" food supplies cuz here in the midwest, we can lose electricity for 3 days or more at a time.

[Utah Girl]

I love cross stitch too.

[Billthedrill]

More is better when it comes to firearms, I always say. The revolver is an excellent bet unless you want to practice a lot (I do!) - in your position I'd consider a shotgun next, frankly - you can hunt more stuff with it than anything else and there's nothing like it if someone is trying to kick your door down.

But I'd also agree with the point of view that the current situation is no more dangerous than every day is. Plan and be cautious, but don't let it run your life.

[RightWhale]

Can you guarantee it will stay up through any dangers ahead?

Hams might be the only communication. dit-dit-dit dah-dah-dah, etc.

[Freedom2specul8]

Thanks to both of you! I definitely rotate sooner than 2 yrs. I also keep extra charcoal and lighterfluid on hand because the last time we had an ice storm..we couldn't cook our food.

[T Minus Four]

We have Dugway, the infamous chemical biological agents depot, about 60 miles away from SLC. Dugway is now being used to dispose of the agents, but if the enemy could get through and bomb it, the consequences would be horrendous.

It won't be Salt Lake. Take that to the bank.

Believe me, this I know.

[discostu]

A lot of it is going to depend on what's in the can and how acidic it is. I know from unfortunate experience that sauerkraut eats through cans in about a year, only jarred sauerkraut in my house now.

[Utah Girl]

I know, life without the Internet, especially Free Republic might be the real hardship.

[tracer]

It ain't necessarily so -- Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground (CBW), a major international airport, national crossroads highways and rail lines, ski resorts, and (hope not) religious sites.........

[Utah Girl]

Thanks. :) Long time, no see.

[WestCoastGal]

Those of us in earthquake country also have emergency kits in the house and the car. Thanks for the post.

[Eagle Eye]

No, starting. 24-27 hours flight, including time chages.

I'm making sure that the family's kit is in order. Charcoal, propane, matches, lighters, fluid. Mossberg 500 and shells. MRe's. Kitty litter. Surplus gas masks and spare filters. All that typical hurricane stuff.

[Under the Radar]

You offered to post the list of food and water as counseled by your church. I, for one, would love to see that list. I have no idea how to prepare or store food like that. I have known some LDS members (I actually housesat for them once) who had food stashed all over the place. All I noticed was all the boxes of cereal. I kick myself for not asking them about it (although I was embarassed at the time, not wanting to appear like a snoop, but damn they had food *all over the place*). Anyway, since you offered, I am interested. I feel lacking as a wife in this department.

[NorseWood]

We live in earthquake country and have a second set of supplies stashed outside of the house in case we can't get back inside the house/garage.

[arm958]

It ain't necessarily so -- Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground (CBW), a major international airport, national crossroads highways and rail lines, ski resorts, and (hope not) religious sites.........

If the Chinese decide to launch ICBM's, then the Salt Lake City area MAY be in the top 20. If we're talking Arab foot soldiers, no way.

[myprecious]

The guns are not for defending against the chemical attack. They are for defending against those who didn't prepare and will take your stuff by force.

We live in a rural area and were comforted by the fact that Dallas is about 80 miles away. Then chunks of the Shuttle fell from the sky near here.... You can never be too sure you are far enough away when history begins to take place.

But the greatest risk is from the city folk scattering this way.

[Utah Girl]

I keep a couple bags of charcoal on hand, also a couple tanks of propane for my outdoor grill. It would be nice to have a hot meal once a day in emergencies, or it could be used to keep water boiling for sanitation purposes.

[DCBryan1]

FEMA/Homeland Defense also need to tell the American people to purchase:

One .22LR Ruger 10/22 or 77/22 rifle with 500 rds of ammo, and 6-10 magazines.(I feel this is the most economical and practical for someone who does not have the money or inclination to buy quality firearms that are much higher in price......a .22 LR can kill a man, make no mistake, and also can kill small game and most kids/small framed women are not intimidated by .22LR

One pistol or revolver chambered in either .38spl/.357mag, 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP, with ammo, with 250 rounds of ammo and 4-6 magazines/speed loaders.

One militia/homeland defense capable shotgun either pump our automatic holding 5-8 rounds with 100 rounds of #4 buck, 00 buck, #6 lead, and Saboted Slugs.

One militia/homeland defense capable semi-automatic or select-fire (NFA rules apply) chambered in .30-06, .308 Win, .223 Rem, or 7.62x39 with 1000 rounds of ammo and 12-16 magazines/clips.

Nuff said.

DCB

[SunnyUsa]

good post.....what about the duct tape and plastic sheeting they keep talking about?

[AdamSelene235]

[arm958]

1000 rounds of ammo

More is better, don't get me wrong, but I have a 61 year old British bolt action battle rifle and 300 rounds of ammo, and I consider myself very well protected. Of course, I have a .45 as backup.

[okkev68]

I'm not worried about a major attack. I am more afraid of a small chemical or biological attack that causes major panic and hysteria. In the bigger cities there would be large scale looting and chaos.

I am going this weekend to add to my 72 hour kit so that my family and I can sit tight outside of town at my sisters house until things calmed down.

[Utah Girl]

My best friend's husband was in the Army. They hauled their food storage to Germany with them. The moving guys laughed when they saw the wheat and powdered milk containers, they asked her if they were Mormon. :)

Here is the link Emergency Preparedness (year's supply of food, 72 hour kit). The list tells you how much to get for each person, so it is useful for single people also. I highly recommend storing what you will eat, nothing worse than having to eat something you don't like. I'm single also, so if you have any questions about what to store, let me know.

[arm958]

what about the duct tape and plastic sheeting they keep talking about?

That's a poor excuse for not issuing gas masks as the Israelis do in their cities.

[nina0113]

If only I could convince MY sister to take this seriously & prepare to come sit it out at my house.

[cav68]

That's per weapon I assume.

[Utah Girl]

I do have duct tape and plastic sheeting in my year's food supply. Duct tape is sooo useful, I bought some on sale last summer, I do need to buy some more plastic sheeting.

[ez]

It ain't necessarily so -- Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground (CBW), a major international airport, national crossroads highways and rail lines, ski resorts, and (hope not) religious sites.........

Not to mention an attack in the West will allow the prevailing winds to carry whatever is released across the continent. I think more likely though, that it would be a west Coast city, probably northwest to maximize wind vector. Seattle has to be a prime target due to proximity to Canada and access to border crossings...

[blam]

"I keep a couple bags of charcoal on hand, also a couple tanks of propane for my outdoor grill. It would be nice to have a hot meal once a day in emergencies, or it could be used to keep water boiling for sanitation purposes."

Good idea.

[El Sordo]

An additional suggestion for all:

Twice a year (pick two days... first day of Spring and first day of Fall, General Conference, whatever...) bring the kit out and unpack it.
-Spread the items out so you can take notice of what you have in there.
-Inspect each item.
-Replace anything damaged or expired.
-Make sure the spare clothing still fits.
-Add or upgrade items with respect to how your family needs may have changed.
-Then properly re-pack it.

This makes for an excellent opportunity to not only keep aware of what you have in the kit as well as keeping the thing properly stocked, but also to avoid ugly surprises like:
"Honey, where are the radio batteries?"
"Oh, I took them out last year when we gave little Johnny that walking robot for his birthday... I've been meaning to buy some more..."

[drjimmy]

Not being one that believes in running for the hills my 72 hour survival kit is in my pockets: car keys, credit cards. If things get so bad they won't do me any good I hope I'm already dead.
It wouldn't take things getting "so bad" to render your survival kit useless. Disrupting the electronic banking system--making credit cards and ATM cards impossible to use--is the way to strike fear into the hearts of Americans. Even with cash, the gas pump at the filling station might not work.

A three-day kit isn't going to help you much if there's a N-B-C attack nearby, but if the supply and distribution system gets messed up for even a little while, it could make all the difference.