This is more or less an extension of our previous writeup: Preparing for the worst with food and water.

Lately, I have been hearing quite a bit about 72 hour kits. The intention behind a 72 hour kit is that if you need to quickly leave your location/home, you have plenty of survival items, documents, food and water that can last you a minimum 3 days.

This can be in the event of a natural disaster, a fire, flood, terrorist attack, etc…

I cannot stress how important a kit like this is, simply due to the nature in our lives to ‘get out’ ASAP in the event of an emergency. Think of all the people in the south who left with barely anything. Some were prepared, and other people were not.

Obviously, the smaller your family, the smaller your 72 hour kit can be, but you always need to make sure there is 3 days worth of supplies for every member of your family.

The following is taken straight from the Colorado Division of Emergency Management

Source: Colorado Division of Emergency Management

Emergency Needs

• Battery Powered Radio
• First Aid Kit & Manual
• Sleeping Bags & Blankets (wool & thermal)
• Manual Can Opener
• Waterproof/Windproof Matches
• Non-Perishable Foods
• Flashlight
• Water Storage (1 gal./day)
• Water purification tablets
• Utility Knife
• Emergency Candles
• Extra Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses
• Essential Medications
• Extra Clothing

Suggested non-perishable food items: Ready-to-eat goods in unbreakable containers, canned meats, juice, fruits & vegetables, powdered milk, infant care foods, crackers, peanut butter, freeze-dried & dehydrated goods.

Sanitation Kit

• Plastic Bucket w/Tightly Fitted Lid
• Plastic Bags & Ties
• Disinfectant
• Improvised Toilet Seat
• Paper Cups & Plates
• Personal Toiletries
• Baby Supplies
• Aluminum Foil
• Paper Towels
• Personal Hygienic Needs
• Plastic Utensils
• Soap

There is quite a bit more to the 72 hour kit, so please read the Colorado Division of Emergency Management’s 72 hour Family emergency kit

It will definitly be a life saver for many. Once my wife and I move into our new home, we are going to be putting together our own 72 hour kit as well as having plenty of emergency supplies stored away.

Emergencies happen. Be Prepared!