Food and Water
It is important to have readily available food and water that can last for 72 hours in case of an emergency. It is recommended to have a minimum of 1 gallon of water per person per day. non-perishable foods, such as canned goods, dry snacks, and cereal, are also important to have on hand.
Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
Be sure to have at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food on hand at all times. Canned goods, dry cereal, and peanut butter are just a few options that will last and provide essential nutrients. Avoid items that require refrigeration, cooking, or water to prepare. If you must eat perishable food, use safe food handling techniques.
Store at least a 3-day supply of water
You should store at least a 3-day supply of water per person. A reasonable emergency water supply for one person might include:
-2 quarts (1/2 gallon) for drinking
-2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation
-1 gallon for each pet
But you will need more water than this if you live in a hot climate, are very physically active, or are caring for young children or elderly adults.
A 3-day supply of water is a basic emergency preparedness goal. It is possible to survive without water for three days, but it is extremely difficult and uncomfortable. A person can lose up to 3% of their body weight in fluid each day due to sweating, breathing, and eliminating waste. This loss can be increased by hot weather, physical activity, and illnesses such as diarrhea. A loss of 10% of body weight due to dehydration is considered severe and can lead to death.
Learn how to purify water
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for an emergency is to learn how to purify water. Making sure your water is clean and safe to drink is critical, especially if municipal water sources are contaminated or not available.
There are several ways to purify water, and the best method will depend on the resources you have available. Boiling water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to purify it, but if you don’t have access to a heat source, you can also purify water using chemicals like bleach or iodine, or by filtering it through a coffee filter or clean cloth.
In order to purify water using boiling, bring the water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute. If you’re using chemicals like bleach or iodine, follow the instructions on the packaging. For filter methods, pour the water slowly through the filter into a clean container.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you purify all of the water you plan to Drink in an emergency — including any water you collect from natural sources like lakes or rivers. And always purify more than you think you’ll need, just in case!
Shelter
The first and most important thing you’ll need is shelter. If you have a tent, great. If not, you’ll need to improvise. In a pinch, you can use a tarp, tree branches, and leaves to build a shelter. Make sure it’s big enough to fit you and whatever supplies you have with you.
Find a safe place to shelter
The first step is to find a safe place to shelter. If you are indoors, go to an interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level of the building. If you are outdoors, try to find a dry spot that is not too close to trees or other tall objects that could fall on you. Once you have found a safe place, stay there until the storm has passed.
Learn how to build a shelter
When disaster strikes, the first 72 hours are critical. That’s why it’s important to be prepared with the knowledge and supplies to build an emergency shelter.
There are many different types of emergency shelters, and the best one for you will depend on the situation you find yourself in. Here are some common types of shelters and how to build them:
Tent: A tent is a great option for an emergency shelter because it’s lightweight and portable, and can be set up quickly. If you don’t have a tent, you can also use a tarp or a plastic sheet.
Lean-to: A lean-to is a simple structure that can be built using branches or other materials. To build a lean-to, find two trees or posts that are about the same height, and tie them together at the top. Lean branches or other materials against the side of the lean-to to create walls.
Snow cave: If you find yourself in a cold climate, one option for an emergency shelter is a snow cave. To build a snow cave, start by digging a trench in the snow that’s big enough for you to lie down in. Then, create walls by piling more snow on top of the trench. Finally, make a roof by packing more snow on top of the walls.
Debris hut: A debris hut is another option for an emergency shelter in a cold climate. To build a debris hut, start by finding two trees that are about 10 feet apart. Then, stack sticks or branches between the trees to create walls. Next, add leaves or other materials on top of the sticks to insulate the shelter. Finally, pack more sticks or branches on top of the leaves to create a roof
Stock up on supplies for your shelter
Before a disaster strikes, make sure you have enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A good way to remember what to stock up on is the 3Ps: people, pets, and supplies.
People: Include items like food, water, first-aid kits, prescription medications, and extra clothing.
Pets: Make sure you have food and water for your pets, as well as a carrier or crate in case you need to evacuate.
Supplies: Things like batteries, flashlights, a handheld radio, and tools will come in handy in an emergency.
Your shelter should be stocked with enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A good way to remember what to stock up on is the 3Ps: people, pets, and supplies.
Some things you’ll want to include are:
-Food
-Water
-First-aid kit
-Prescription medications
-Extra clothing
-Batteries
-Flashlights
-A handheld radio
-Tools
First Aid
In order to be prepared for a 72-hour emergency, you will need to have a plan and supplies in place. A big part of being prepared is having a first aid kit. A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and tools that are used to provide medical treatment. First aid kits come in a variety of sizes and can be customized to meet your specific needs.
Learn basic first aid
In a disaster, you may not have access to professional medical help for days or even weeks. During this time, it’s important to be able to take care of yourself and your family.
Here are some basic first-aid skills that everyone should know:
-Check the scene and victim for safety. Do not enter an unsafe area.
-Call 911 or the local emergency services number if the victim needs immediate medical attention.
-If the victim is unconscious, check for a pulse and breathing. If there is none, begin CPR.
-If the victim is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth.
-If the victim is in shock, lay them down with their feet elevated higher than their head.
-If the victim is having a seizure, protect them from injury and do not try to hold them down.
Stock up on first aid supplies
You can never predict when an emergency might strike, so it’s always best to be prepared. Make sure your home is stocked with the basic supplies you may need in case of an emergency.
One way to be prepared for emergencies is to have a first-aid kit in your home and one in each car. A first-aid kit is a collection of items used to treat minor injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, and burns. The contents of a first-aid kit may vary depending on the age and needs of the family members. Check with your local Red Cross chapter or doctor to see if they have any suggestions on specific items for your family’s first-aid kit.
Some suggested items for a basic first-aid kit include:
-Bandages in various sizes
-Gauze pads in various sizes
-Adhesive tape
-Scissors
-Tweezers
-Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder, or cream
-Thermometer (preferably non-mercury/non-glass)
-Nonprescription drugs such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and antacids
-Cotton balls and swabs
-Soap and topical antibiotic ointment (Note: do not store topical antibiotics in the first aid kit because they may become outdated quickly)
-Hydrogen peroxide (Use 3% hydrogen peroxide; do not store this in the first aid kit because it breaks down quickly into water)
First aid kits are available for purchase at most drugstores.
Learn how to treat common injuries
In any disaster, knowing how to treat common injuries can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some first-aid tips to help you deal with minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, as well as more serious problems like broken bones and head injuries.
Cuts and scrapes:
Clean the wound with soap and water. Apply pressure to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, call for medical help.
Burns:
Minor burns can be treated by holding the affected area under cool running water for several minutes. More severe burns require medical attention.
Broken bones:
If you suspect a broken bone, do not try to move the person. Call for medical help immediately. If you must move the person, do so carefully to avoid causing further injury.
Head injuries:
If a person has a head injury and is unconscious, do not try to move them. Call for medical help right away. If they are conscious, sit them up and make sure they are not in danger of falling or being hit by something else.
Clothing and Protection
One of the most important things that you need to consider when preparing to survive for 72 hours is what you will wear. The clothing you choose should be able to protect you from the elements and keep you warm. You will also need to consider what kind of protection you will need from animals and insects.
Store extra clothes and blankets
If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions, it’s important to have extra clothes and blankets on hand in case you need them. Store them in an easily accessible place so you can grab them quickly if you need to.
Wearing the right clothing can also help protect you from the elements. dress in layers so you can adjust to changes in temperature, and wear waterproof gear if there’s a chance of rain or snow.
Having a well-stocked emergency kit is one of the best things you can do to prepare for extreme weather conditions. In addition to clothes and blankets, your kit should include items like food, water, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight.
Learn how to make a fire
Building a fire is a skill that everyone should know, especially if you spend time in outdoors. Not only can a fire provide warmth and comfort, but it can also be used to cook food or signal for help. In an emergency situation, a fire can even save your life.
Luckily, building a fire is not difficult as long as you have the right materials and know the proper steps to take. With a little practice, you’ll be able to build a fire in no time.
What You’ll Need
-Tinder: This is any kind of material that catches fire easily and burns quickly. Good options for tinder include dry leaves, pine needles, paper, or lint from your pocket.
-Kindling: This is small wood that will help your fire get started. Good options for kindling include small twigs, sticks, or bark.
-Firewood: This is the wood that will keep your fire going once it’s started. Make sure to choose pieces that are not too big or too small. The best size for firewood is about as thick as your wrist.
Learn how to signal for help
One of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of being found is to learn how to signal for help. This means being familiar with the various methods of signaling, as well as knowing when and how to use them.
There are many different ways to signal for help, but some of the most common include using a mirror or other reflective surface to signal with light, using a whistle or horn to make noise, or using a signal fire to create smoke.
Knowing how to properly use these signals can mean the difference between being found quickly and being missed entirely.