Emergency Preparedness Planning is the Key to Survival

The past has taught us that disaster can strike when it is least expected, and that help may not always be immediately available when it does. Emergency preparedness for your family means having the necessary food and supplies on hand to survive until the initial emergency subsides. A well-stocked emergency kit can be vital to survival in an emergency situation.

Getting Started:
You Can Buy A Kit, or Build Your Own

An emergency kit should consist of enough supplies to last for a minimum of 3 days. It is beneficial to prepare for a longer period of time (as some emergencies may prevent aid from reaching you for a longer time), but as a minimum standard, your kit should provide a full 72 hour supply of items necessary for survival. The point is that you want to have enough supplies to get you through the initial emergency, and allow you and your family to survive until aid or other assistance is available. There are 72 hour kits available for purchase through survival stores and online retailers, but their suitability to your needs will be limited. To assure that your emergency kit is equipped with what you and your family want, it may be necessary to build a kit of your own.

Divide Your Kit Into 3 Main Categories

Before building your emergency kit, it is important to understand that a proper 72 hour kit is not something you will throw over your shoulder and walk away with. The amount of supplies that are needed to survive for three days are similar to the amount of groceries you bring home every week—which is just a bit too much to carry all at once. Your water needs alone will be more than you want to carry all at one time. Since it is difficult to keep all of your supplies in one tidy package, it is important to be organized so you can quickly gather each component of your emergency kit if it is ever needed. One way to do this is to break up your kit into three main categories: water, food, and supplies. You can arrange your containers into these three groups. Dividing your kit into sections will make it more manageable and easy to gather into one place if needed.



Identify What You Need:

One of the first considerations of preparing a 72 hour emergency kit is to identify what you will need. When you have completed gathering everything that will be in your emergency kit, make a checklist that includes every item in your kit. This checklist will be used to maintain your list and to be certain that you do not forget anything if you ever need to evacuate or leave for some reason during an emergency. Your checklist should include all of the items in your kit and any procedures that should be followed by you and your family if an emergency occurs. This list will assure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

To help you identify the items that will needed in your kit, a short list of essential items is presented here. A more complete list will follow later in this article. This purpose of this short list is to give you an idea of what you will need, and to get you to think about other items that may be unique to your needs.

Basic Essential Categories:

1. Water
2. Food
3. Temporary Shelter
4. Clothing
5. Bedding
6. First Aid Kit
7. Medications
8. Cooking Equipment
9. Eating Utensils
10. Tools
11. Personal Protective Equipment
12. Communications Equipment
13. Lights and Flashlights
14. Matches, Lighters, and Fuel
15. Hygiene Supplies
16. Garbage Containment
    
    
    

Water Needs:
Make Water Your First Priority

Without water in your emergency kit, you will most likely end up using everything else in your kit to try to find some. You absolutely must have an adequate supply of water. What is an adequate supply of water?

Store No Less Than 1 Gallon Per Person Per Day

Opinions and situations vary on the minimum amount of water needed to survive. (1) The size, weight, age, and activity of an individual in addition to environmental conditions all contribute to determine how much water is needed for survival. There is no exact minimum amount of water that will work for everyone. (2) The American Red Cross* recommends at least 2 quarts (or half a gallon) of water per person for drinking purposes daily. Taking into account personal hygiene and other necessary uses, the minimum recommended quantity of water to have on hand is 1 gallon per person per day. One gallon per person per day may be enough for survival, but 2 gallons per person per day would likely be more practical. The most prudent conclusion is that for emergency purposes it is best to store as much water as you reasonably can, but do not store less than one gallon per person per day. To be on the safe side, it is probably wise to keep a 7-day supply of water with your 72 hour kit (a grand total of 14 gallons for one week, for one person).

Water Storage Containers NOT To Use

Several types of containers can be used for water storage, but first you should know what kinds of containers should not be used for drinking water. (6) It is not advisable to store water in bleach containers because this gives children the false impression that it is safe to drink from bleach containers. It is best to avoid any possibility of poisoning. Drinking water should only be stored in containers that are designed for storing food and water. Old milk jugs are not ideal for water storage because they are weak containers and it is difficult to clean them adequately. Never store water in containers that have previously been used for chemicals, poisons, or any toxic substance. 

Appropriate Containers for Water Storage

Appropriate containers for water storage are large used soda pop bottles, glass bottles, 5-gallon blue plastic water containers with screw-on lids, and fiberglass or heavy plastic opaque food-grade drums. If glass bottles are used, be sure to keep them on lower shelves to avoid injury and breakage from falls. If old pop bottles are used be sure to clean them completely. Try not to use a container that is too large to be easily portable. The best choice for your water storage container is something that you can quickly put in the trunk of your car or carry if needed.

Replace Water Every Six Months

Water does not remain drinkable forever in storage, but it is very important to store your water before an emergency happens. (2) Remember to dump your water every six months and refill the containers to keep your emergency water fresh. It is best to store water in dark and cool areas that are dry and away from chemicals or volatile liquids. It is helpful to label your containers with the date they were filled (or refilled) so that you will know when your water needs to be replaced.

Water Purification

Any emergency water with questionable purity should be purified before drinking.  Purifying water can be accomplished by boiling or by applying chemicals. Boiling water is considered the most effective method, so a short description of the boiling method will be included here. Chemical means vary in description and amount, so for information on chemical means of water purification, please see other sources. Water purification tablets can be purchased from camping supply and sporting goods stores. It is a good idea to have purifications tablets in your emergency kit in case boiling water is not possible. (8) According to *FEMA, water should be brought to a rolling boil for 10 minutes. A result of the boiling will be that the water will taste flat. The boiled water can then be made to taste better when it has cooled by pouring it back and forth between two open containers, or by shaking it in a closed container. 

Food (Dietary) Needs:
Calories Provide Energy

In an emergency, food will be your second greatest concern (after water). You may wonder, how long can a person live without food? The healthy human body is capable of surviving from days to weeks with little or no food. Malnutrition and starvation, however, place your health at risk and deprive you of much needed energy and stamina in an emergency situation. Ultimately the most important matter with food is that you are able to consume an amount of calories that will allow you to sustain your energy and health. Nutritional content, weight, taste, and having a quantity that allows you to feel “full” are also important considerations, but to have energy, you need to take in an adequate amount of calories. What is an adequate caloric intake?

Adequate caloric requirements vary with individuals by various factors such as size, age, weight, activity, environmental conditions and current health conditions. An average person in good health can frequently survive on a reduced diet with little or no adverse conditions for a short period of time. Children, pregnant women, diabetics and other health-impaired individuals should not alter their diet significantly. It is best to consult a doctor on individual caloric requirements, and to identify risks associated with a modified diet.

Adequate Caloric Intake During an Emergency

A rough idea of sufficient caloric needs for healthy adults individuals can be surmised from the following information: (3) The United States military consumes meals known as MRE’s (Meals Ready To Eat) when they are conducting operations in the field. These MRE’s have an average of 1,250 calories. Multiplying this by three meals per day, we find that our soldiers sometimes consume approximately 3,750 calories per day. This seems like a high number of calories, but considering the intense work our soldiers engage in and the energy required to do it, the number seems is understandable. (4) *The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bases caloric intake on an average 2,000 calorie diet. By using the FDA caloric intake figure as a low, and the military figure as a high, we can reasonably infer that a food supply that provides between 2,000 and 3,750 calories per day per person will be sufficient. Again it would be wise to consult a doctor before making a final decision on caloric intake especially in consideration of children, pregnant, and health compromised individuals.

Keep Your Meals As Normal As Possible

There are a variety of ways to build up a supply of food storage for your 72 hour emergency kit. It is possible to purchase MRE’s, dehydrated meals, and other easy to prepare survival foods from stores that carry camping supplies, sporting goods, and from a multitude of internet vendors. (5) Alternatively and even more easily you can create a supply of emergency foods by simply adding to the current supply of canned and other non-perishable foods that you have at home. Purchase enough of these types of foods to accommodate you and your family in the event of an emergency. This method utilizes areas that are already used for storing food. It also provides your family with a source of familiar family foods which may help to reduce the stress of changes caused by the emergency. You can use the foods that are on the shelves and rotate them so that the older foods are replaced with newer ones. This keeps the food supply fresh. It is important to keep a list of the items that are designated for emergency use so you can easily replace what has been used. This will assure that your emergency food is always available.

Rotate Food Supply

Be sure to rotate your emergency food. Always pay attention to any “expiration dates” or “use by” dates. By bringing the older food to the front of your shelves on a regular basis, you will use up the aging canned foods and always have a fresh supply. Canned foods may last anywhere from 1 to 5 years when stored in a dry, cool, environment, but it is always a good idea to rotate any kind of food that you will use. (7) The American Red Cross recommends that if there is no expiration date to replace the item after six months. Additionally, watch for any dented or bulging cans and discard them, as this may be indicate the presence of toxins or other harmful substances. If you have any question about the quality of an item in your food supply, throw it out and replace it. 

Don’t Forget Current Medications

Medications are a vital part of your 72 hour kit; and since many of them are consumable, I will include them in the food section. Health and possibly survival may depend on a person having their necessary medications. If you don’t keep your medications near your food supply, be sure to keep a note with your emergency food supply (either on your food storage container or somewhere where you will be certain to see it) that reminds you to gather your medications during an emergency and keep them with your emergency kit. As with food, always check medication labels to make sure they are not expired.

Use Frozen Foods First

Frozen foods can be used in the early stages of an emergency. If power is interrupted or cut, it is a good idea to utilize the frozen foods before they spoil. This will allow you to retain some of your non-perishable foods in case they are needed for an extended period of time.

Be Ready To Pack Up Your Food

It is a good idea to keep a large durable plastic container with a lid near your 72 hour food supply so you can pack it all up and take it with you if needed. If your food supply is large, keep additional containers in the same place. It is a good idea to buy the type of containers that are “stackable” if possible, so they don’t take up unnecessary space when not in use. Be certain that when your food is in the container that it is not too heavy to carry. If it is too heavy, use additional containers until you can carry your food supply comfortably.

Supply Needs:
Supplies Are Everything Beside Food and Water

Supplies are the third and final component of your 72 hour emergency kit. Supplies consist of everything beside food and water(although a few food items are included in the list). Supplies and equipment are grouped together for the purposes of this article, because they can both be packaged in a similar manner and for the sake of simplicity. Keeping your kit to three categories (water, food, and supplies) decreases the risk that you will forget something if you have to pack it all up and leave for some reason.

For a detailed list of supplies for your emergency kit, please see the Alphabetical List of Items Needed for a 72 hour Emergency Kit below.

The following is a list of items that may be included in your emergency kit. Although this is a thorough list, it should by no means be considered a complete. This list should be used as a starting point for your kit. Additional items that will suit the unique needs of your family should be sought from other sources. It may be helpful to print this list and place a check mark next to all of the items that you would like to have in your kit. You can then make your own list on which you will include the items shown here and any additional items that are suited to your needs.

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ITEMS
NEEDED FOR 72 HOUR EMERGENCY KIT

1. adhesive bandages
2. adhesive tape
3. air freshener
4. air mattress
5. air pad (for bed)
6. aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
7. axe or hatchet
8. baby bottles
9. bath towels
10. batteries
11. battery charger, a/c
12. battery charger, (crank, shake, or dynamo powered)
13. bedding
14. belt
15. binoculars
16. blanket
17. blood sugar test equipment
18. body soap
19. bowls, for eating
20. brush
21. bucket
22. camera, digital
23. can opener
24. candle
25. canteen
26. change of clothes
27. clothing
28. comb
29. comfortable shoes
30. compass
31. cooking equipment
32. cooking set
33. crackers
34. cup
35. deodorant
36. diapers, for babies
37. dish soap
38. dish towel
39. disposable razor for shaving
40. electric generator
41. energy bars
42. eye drops
43. family photos
44. feminine hygiene
45. film for camera
46. fire extinguisher, small
47. first aid kit – well supplied kit
48. flashlight, battery powered
49. flashlight, battery-free
50. flashlight, replacement bulbs
51. flour
52. foam pad for bed
53. food
54. formula, for babies
55. frying pan
56. gas can
57. gauze pads, 2x2 inch
58. gauze pads 4x4 inch
59. gloves
60. glow stick
61. GPS navigation system
62. handkerchief
63. hat
64. hatchet, or axe
65. heavy duty rope
66. hiking shoes or boots
67. honey
68. hot chocolate powder packets
69. important documents or copies
70. jacket
71. knife sharpener
72. lantern, mantle replacements
73. lantern, electric
74. lantern, propane
75. lighter (barbeque or cigarette lighter)
76. lip balm
77. liquid soap
78. map (of local and surrounding areas)
79. markers
80. matches, ordinary
81. matches, wax coated(waterproof)
82. medications
83. mirror
84. mobile phone
85. moistened wipes, for babies
86. money
87. mosquito repellant
88. notepad
89. pants
90. paper towels
91. pen and pencil
92. pepper
93. pillow
94. plastic knives, forks, and spoons
95. plates, for eating
96. pocket knife
97. portable shelter
98. portable toilet
99. pot, large for cooking
100. propane fuel
101. propane stove
102. radio (AM/FM), a/c powered
103. radio (AM/FM), battery-free
104. radio, two-way
105. rags
106. rain boots
107. rain gear
108. reading glasses
109. respiration mask (dust mask)
110. safety pins
111. salt
112. saw
113. scarf
114. scissors
115. scouring pad
116. seasonings
117. sewing kit
118. shampoo
119. shaving cream
120. sheets for bed
121. shirts
122. shorts
123. shovel
124. signal flares
125. silverware
126. sleeping bag
127. soap dish or container
128. socks
129. storage bags, freezer size
130. storage bags, sandwich size
131. string
132. sugar
133. sun screen
134. sunglasses
135. sweater
136. swimsuit
137. tarp
138. tent
139. tent stakes
140. thermal underwear
141. thin rope
142. toilet paper
143. tool kit
144. toothbrush
145. toothpaste
146. trail mix
147. trash bags
148. triangular bandage
149. tweezers
150. twine
151. twist ties
152. umbrella
153. underwear
154. water bottle
155. water purification filters
156. water purification kit
157. water purification tablets
158. waterproof match container
159. whistle
160. zip ties

Getting The Family Involved:
Do It Right...Do It Together

The best family emergency kits are those that are created by families. It is important for the whole family to take part in building the kit. By doing so, every member of the family has an opportunity to contribute ideas and to make the kit ideal for their specific needs. Allow everyone to have a few items that they feel are important. Here are a few ideas about how to make building your 72 hour kit a rewarding and fun experience for your family:
1. Make sure your family understands the purpose and importance of having the emergency kit.
2. Decide as a family what types of food and supplies will be needed.
3. Individualize the kit by breaking it up into smaller units for each family member. The main food and water supply should not be divided, but everyone can have their own emergency supplies. Allow choices for types of containers(backpacks, duffle bags plastic boxes, etc.), to be used and individual supplies to be included.
4. Create an emergency plan that will assure that everyone knows what to do if an emergency should occur. Be sure that everyone knows where each component of the emergency kit will be located and how to proceed in gathering it together if needed.
5. Encourage participation in the assembly of the kit and in deciding how it will be used.

Kit Revisions and Updates:
Revise Every Six Months

Your 72 hour emergency kit should be revised and replenished at least every six months. By rotating your food on a weekly basis, you are able to continuously keep your food fresh. Don’t forget to check expiration dates on medications when you check your food. Use your checklist or a separate list to help maintain all of the items in your kit. Never assume that everything is in there. Items frequently disappear from emergency kits (for a variety of reasons) and it is best to check periodically to be sure that everything is returned or replaced.

Additional Suggestions:

Vehicle Emergency Kit

In addition to your 72 hour kit, it is a good idea to keep a small emergency kit in your car or truck at all times. You never know when you may end up stranded and in need of emergency supplies on the road. The emergency kit in your car should consider all weather conditions and your personal safety. Your vehicle emergency should be in a single backpack or duffle bag that is easily portable. Here is a brief list of items that you may consider for your vehicle emergency kit. Once again, this list is a starting point and not to be considered complete.

List of Suggested Supplies for Vehicle Emergency Kit:
Backpack or duffle bag, 2 liters of water, First Aid Kit, flares, blanket, flat tire sealer can (seals leaks in tires and refills air), flashlight, rags, jumper cable, small plastic gas can, phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, adjustable wrench, whistle, mirror, quart of oil.

- 72 Hour Emergency Kit Article By Wes Fessler

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* The Family Fun Shop is not affiliated with the American Red Cross, Federal Emergncy Management Agency (FEMA), or the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

References:

1. Deyo, Holly. “Purifying Water.”
http://www.millenium- ark.net/News_Files/LTAH_WaterPure2.html
[Acessed 13 May 2007] Updated: 19 March 2003

2. American Red Cross. “Food and Water in an Emergency.”  
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/foodwtr.html [Accessed 13 May 2007]

3. Majewski, Albin R. (Major) “The Alphabet Soup of Combat Rations.” http://www.quartermaster.army.mil/oqmg/professional%5Fbulletin/2001/Winter01/The_Alphabet_
Soup_of_Combat_Rations.htm [Accessed 13 May 2007]

4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label.” http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodlab.html#see2 [Accessed 13 May 2007]
Updated November 2004

5. www.cchem.berkely.edu. “Emergency Preparedness.” http://www.cchem.berkely.edu/physplnt/Pages/Seismic/Emergency/FoodandWater.html
[Accessed 13 May 2007]

6. Schultheis, Bob. “Safe Drinking Water In An Emergency.” http://extension.missouri.edu/webster/agedge/security/safewater.html
[Accessed 13 May 2007] Updated 20 April 2006

7. American Red Cross. “Food Supplies in Case of Disaster.” http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/food.htm [Accessed 13 May 2007]

8. Federal Emergency Management Agency. “Animals in Disaster.” http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/downloads/is10_unit10.doc [Accessed 13 May 2007]