This month, gather food, water, an emergency numbers, a family photo and cash. Make sure food items are things your family will and can eat. Customize each kit for each family member.
Buying in bulk saves money when you have a large family, however, you could probably do something similar at Walmart if you have a small family.
Food and Water
- Food and water should last for three days. 72-Hour Kit Food Pack Example.pdf (2022 prices)
- Choose items with a shelf life of at least 6 months to 1 year. If not, you will change your food packs more often.
- Try to find items which are lightweight, but have high calories. Stressful situations burn more calories. Each adult should try to get up to 2000 calories per day.
- Include some type of comfort food or candy.
- Consider the strong odors of the foods you are storing. Even though it is high in protein, beef jerky can make everything smell horrible.
- It’s impossible for one person to carry 3 gallons of water in a backpack. Put water you can carry in your kit and keep extra water next to your kit in case you can evacuate by car. Store bottles of water in bags to prevent accidental leakage.
- Store your kits inside your home and never in a garage where heat will damage your food.
Emergency Contact List
- Phone numbers change often, so update your emergency contact list every 6 months. I like to laminate this to protect it from water damage. Even though these numbers are in your cell phone, if don’t have your cell phone, a paper copy is useful. We have the same copy in every kit.
Family Emergency Communication Plan
- Go to Ready.gov/plan to work on your communication plan. You can fill it out on your computer and print it out. Love that! Laminate it or put it in a plastic bag in your kit to prevent it from getting wet.
Family Photo
- A current photo is useful for identification and if someone gets separated. Use the school picture ID card your kids get with new pictures.
Cash
- Keep cash in small bills like 1’s, 5’s and 10’s in a waterproof container and well hidden.
- Perhaps carry enough money in an adult pack for a night at a hotel and some food. You may only trust your teenager with a little less. Consider the fact that Mom and Dad may NOT evacuate together during a disaster.
Resources:
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