72 Hour Kit

One of the first things we should do in getting prepared is to have a 72 hour kit, or Bug Out Bag, assembled and ready to go.  Essentially this bag should contain everything that you and your family needs to sustain life for 72 hours in the event of an emergency.  72 hours being the general amount of time before government officials can assemble to assist those in need in the event of an emergency.

There are many ways to assemble a kit.  The important thing is that you do it.  Below is a list of recommended items for your kit.  There are many ideas also contained in the links to the right.  Here is a nice 72 Hour Kit (with Pictures)

72 Hour Emergency Kit
By Rachel Woods, About LDS Guide, http://lds.about.com

Notes:
• Update your kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/ planner) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication are fresh (not expired), clothing fits, personal documents and credit cards are up to date, and batteries are charged.
• Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
• Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
• You can include any other items you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
• Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, “flavor” other items, or break open.
Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.

Food and Water
(3 day supply of food & water per person when no refrigeration/cooking is available)
Protein/Granola Bars
Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
Canned Tuna, Beans, Meat, Vienna
Sausages, etc (“pop-top” cans might leak/explode & Jerky can “flavor” other items)
Canned Juice
Candy/Gum (Jolly ranchers can melt & mint gum might “flavor” other items)
Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters per person)

Bedding and Clothing
Change of Clothing (short and long sleeve shirts, pants, socks, jackets, etc.)
Undergarments
Rain Coat /Poncho
Blankets and Emergency Heat Blankets
Cloth Sheet
Plastic Sheet
Fuel & Light
Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps)
Extra Batteries
Flares
Candles
Lighter
Water-Proof Matches

Miscellaneous
Bag or Bags to put 72 hour kit items in (such as duffel bags or hiking back packs, which work great)
Infant Needs (if applicable)

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

Personal Supplies & Medication
First Aid Supplies
Toiletries (roll of toilet paper—remove 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. Warning: Scented soap might “flavor” food items.)
Immunizations Up-to Date
Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen,
children’s medication, etc.)
Prescription Medication (for 3 days)

Personal Documents and Money
(Place these items in a water-proof container!)
Scriptures (miniature ones are lighter)
Genealogy Records
Patriarchal Blessing
Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage
Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts)
Vaccination Papers
Insurance Policies
Cash
Credit Card
Pre-Paid Phone Cards