Our fourth January preparedness challenge is to begin a 72-Hour Kit. This week we’ll also stock up on travel toiletries for our kits and toiletries for our home. A 72-hour kit has supplies if you need to evacuate. Everyone should have a kit at home and at work. Let’s start with the one at home.
BEGIN A 72-HOUR KIT
These kits can become expensive, so each month I’ll suggest a few items to add to yours. You can gather things as quickly or as slowly as you wish, and you don’t have to buy everything I suggest. There is a list of everything below if you want to finish quickly.
LARGE BACKPACK AND CARRY-ON BAG
- All kit supplies will NOT fit in a large backpack, so use a carry-on bag or tote as well.
- “A backpack shouldn’t weigh more than about 25% of the weight of the person carrying it.” (Barbara Salsbury from the book “Preparedness Principles”)
- Backpacks on a frame can withstand bad weather and rough handling and could carry a sleeping bag, but are not suitable for small children or seniors.
- Label your kit with your name or first initial and last name. We use duct tape. Put your phone number inside.
KIT ITEMS TO ADD THIS WEEK
- toilet paper – enough for three days OR wipes.
- travel toiletries – check dollar stores for the best sizes and prices.
HOME STORAGE TOILETRIES
Begin to regularly stock up on extra toiletries at home as these will help you during troubled times. Except for the T.P., I stock up on a 6 month supply of these.
- toilet paper, soap or body wash, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- 72-hour food pack example.pdf
- Suggestions for a 72-hour Kit
- 72-hour Kit Items I Recommend From Amazon
- Build a Kit at Ready.gov
- Emergency Kits for School Kids
Get your family involved when adding items to their 72-hour kit so they take ownership and master this skill.
Best wishes and pace yourself,
Valerie Albrechtsen
The Food Storage Organizer
Purchase my food storage and emergency preparedness items in my Etsy shop.
