72-hour emergency kit
A 72-hour emergency kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. The items in your kit should be chosen based on your needs and the needs of your family.
Water
Water is essential for survival and you will need a lot of it. The rule of thumb is one gallon per person, per day. This may seem like a lot, but you will need it for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Store your water in clean, food-grade containers. If you are using tap water, be sure to clean and sanitize your containers first. You can also store water in barrels or tanks. If you are using a barrel, be sure to get one with a spigot so you can easily access the water. If you are using a tank, be sure to have a pump so you can easily get the water out.
Food
There are many different types of food that you can include in your 72-hour emergency kit, but it is important to choose items that will not spoil and that will provide you with the nutrients and energy you need in an emergency situation. Canned goods, dried fruits and nuts, peanut butter, crackers, and energy bars are all good options. You should also include a can opener in your kit.
Clothing and warm items
Include at least one complete change of warm clothing and footwear for each family member. Remember to pack extra clothing if you have young children, as they tend to get dirty quickly. Also, consider packing seasonal clothing if you are expecting extreme weather conditions.
Shelter
A successful emergency kit is all about being prepared for the unexpected. When it comes to shelter, that means having a plan for both extreme weather conditions and for finding safe, secure shelter if your home is no longer habitable.
In terms of extreme weather, you’ll need to have a plan for both high winds and heavy rain, as well as extremely cold or hot temperatures. Having a sturdy tent or tarp can provide you with temporary shelter in case your home is damaged, but you’ll also want to think about how you’ll keep yourself warm or cool if the power is out. blankets, sleeping bags, and extra clothing are essential in both hot and cold weather.
If you need to evacuate your home, it’s important to have a plan for where you will go. If you have family or friends in the area, see if they can take you in. If not, there may be shelters set up by the Red Cross or other organizations. It’s important to call ahead to find out what the capacity is and what services are available.
In either case, you’ll want to be sure to bring essential items like food, water, first-aid supplies, prescription medications, cash, and important documents like birth certificates and insurance information. By being prepared with a 72-hour emergency kit, you can increase your chances of weathering any storm.
Personal hygiene
Personal hygiene is an important aspect of life that should not be ignored. Good personal hygiene habits can help to protect you from illnesses and infections, improve your overall health, and give you a feeling of well-being.
The most important component of personal hygiene is washing your hands. You should wash your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom, before and after eating, after touching animals, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Use soap and warm water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
First Aid & Medical Supplies
In any emergency, first aid is often the initial care given to casualties. Good first aid can mean the difference between life and death, or at least between a good outcome and a bad one.
A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept in an easily accessible place, is a necessity in every home. The following items should be included in your first-aid kit:
-Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
-Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder, or spray
-Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
-Blanket
-Breathing barrier (such as a face mask) for providing CPR
-Burn gel
-Calamine lotion
-Canned and dried fruits
-Can juice or soda for each person and pet
Canned meat and vegetables
Carbonated beverages Chips or crackers Dried fruit Dried meat or fish Dried milk granola bars or energy bars Hard candy Peanut butter Instant coffee and tea Jelly Lemonade mix Matches in a waterproof container candles paper cups
Bug out bag
A bug-out bag is a kit containing the items you need to survive for 72 hours when you are evacuated from your home due to a natural disaster or another emergency. It should be lightweight and easy to carry, so you can take it with you if you have to evacuate.
Long-term supplies
When you are prepping for long-term survival, you need to have certain supplies on hand in order to make it through. Some of the items you will need include food, water, shelter, and clothing. In this section, we will go over what you will need in detail so that you can be prepared for anything.