72 Hour Kit Individual Checklist & Guide

Here is a generic list of items that could be useful in a 72 Hour Kit. These items should be adjusted for your area’s climate, and the age & needs of the individual…remember that emergencies can happen anytime, so pack for all seasons.

Clothing Items:

Good Shoes, (tennis shoes, hiking boots)

Flip-flops

Stocking Cap

Baseball Cap

Extra Socks

Heavy Pants or Jeans

1-2 Belts

2 T-shirts

Underwear/Bra

Sweatpants/PJ pants

Shorts

Sweatshirt

Winter coat

Thermal gloves

Poncho

 

Toiletries:

Bar of Soap

Wash Cloth

Hand or Shammy Towel

Deodorant

Toothbrush

Toothpaste & Dental Floss

Feminine Products as needed

Roll of Toilet Paper (in zip-lock bag)

Extra pair of eye glasses

Extra Contacts

Contact solution

Small Hand Mirror

Extra plastic baggies for garbage

 

Other Essentials:

Roll of Quarters ($10)

Flashlight with batteries

Extra Batteries, AA

Foil (3-4 ft. min.)

2 Snap Light Sticks

Knife or razor blades (adults only)

Waterproof Matches

Plastic Whistle

Hand Warmers

Necessary Rx Medications

2 kitchen trash bags

Pocket-Size Scriptures

Emergency Reflective Blanket

Emergency Foil Sleeping Bag

Small Fleece Blanket

Mess kit & utensils

 

First Aid Kit:

Small sewing kit w/ needle & thread

Assorted Band-Aids

Sterile Gauze Squares

Adhesive Tape

Small Scissors

Tweezers

Q-tips

Cotton Balls

Safety pins

Anti-septic wipes

Aspirin/Ibuprofen

Benedryl

Small Container of Bleach
 

Misc. Items:

Copies of birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license, passport, etc.

List of emergency telephone numbers for quick reference

Out-of-State emergency contact name & number, evacuation destination, etc.

Small Photo Book with family pictures

Small notebook & pen for journaling or other needs

 

Individual Family Member Food Checklist

You will want to check on and rotate perishable items in your 72-hour kits every six months for optimum freshness and to avoid infestations or other pest problems.

Do NOT use “pop-top” cans, since heat can make them explode; pack a can opener (a small P-38 emergency can opener is best) in each 72-hour kit and use traditional cans!! They will last much longer and you will avoid food spoilage and messes.

 

Each family member’s kit should include enough nutrient-packed food to sustain an individual for 3 days or 9 meals. This includes minimal water requirements of at least 1 gallon per person. Use your imagination and tailor this list to your family’s needs and tastes. For Babies, include necessary items like baby formula, baby food, diapers and wipes. For individuals with food allergies, include appropriate foods or special diet considerations.

Remember that there are many options for your emergency kit. While freeze-dried “backpacker’s meals” or MRE’s, (meals-ready-to-eat) may be the lightest weight, and easiest to store, they tend to be very expensive. It’s not necessary to spend a great deal of money to put a kit together. Start today using what you have in your pantry and around the house. You can add to or upgrade your kits later as you are able. DON'T WAIT BECAUSE YOU CAN'T AFFORD THE BEST RIGHT NOW. Start today with what you've got. You'll never regret it.

 

Sample 72-Hour Kit Menu:

• 6 Granola Bars (2 a day)
• 6 Cans of Tuna/Turkey/Chicken/Beef Chunks (2 a day)
• 6 Cans of Beans, (Chili, refried, kidney, black, etc.) (2 a day)
• 3 Cans of Mandarin Oranges or other fruit (1 a day)
• 3 Hot Chocolate Pkgs. (1 a day)
• 3 Drink mix Pkgs. (1 a day)
• Trail Mix/Dried Fruit (enough for 1-2 daily snacks)
• Graham Crackers/Cereal/Crackers
• Canned Juice (V-8, Orange juice)
• Canned or Dry Milk
• Candy/Gum (avoid hard candies which can melt in heat)
• 1 Gallon of Water (wash & fill a clear 2-liter soda bottle with treated tap water or for well water, use a couple drops of chlorine bleach to kill bacteria before storage)

Be sure to mark each item with the month & year in permanent marker as it is purchased and placed in your kit. Check kits every six months for optimal storage conditions. Rotate perishable and canned items as necessary so that your kits are always fresh and ready to go if needed. All boxed, packaged or dry foods should be rotated every six months. Canned foods should be rotated every two years, or sooner as directed by commercial expiration dates. Also rotate and update prescription medication, OTC medication and other first aid items that may expire on a regular basis.

Happy Homemaking!