72 Hour Kit Ideas

So there are as many ideas out there as there are grains in the sand it would seem. Okay, not quite, but close. This particular list is from about.com and can be found here. I'm including my own personal notes in red. The main thing that we're trying for is actual weight. Weight you can carry, weight your kids can carry. So while some of the things would be nice to have, they really don't seem as practically necessary as others. This print up will be available for tomorrow nights' meeting though.

Food and Water

(A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available)

• Protein/Granola Bars
• Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
• Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
• Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc ("pop-top" cans that open without a can-opener might not be a good idea, read this warning from one site visitor.)
• Canned Juice
• Candy/Gum (warning: Jolly Ranchers can melt and using mint gum might make everything taste like mint)
• Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters Per Person)

Bedding and Clothing

• Change of Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.) - I would pack a single change of clothes, just to eliminate the bulk.
• Undergarments - for three days & don't forget the socks!
• Rain Coat/Poncho
• Blankets and Emergency Heat Blanks (that keep in warmth) - In Las Vegas an emergency heat blanket wouldn't be needed as much as just a decent rated sleeping bag.
• Cloth Sheet
• Plastic Sheet - Couldn't your poncho work just as well?
• Fuel and Light - If you are packing non-cooked foods then don't worry about fuel, just pack a single flashlight per person.
• Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps, etc.) Don't forget batteries!
• Extra Batteries
• Flares
• Candles
• Lighter
• Water-Proof Matches

Equipment

• Can Opener - Remember to consider your weight ... can't you find some food for 3 days that DOESN'T require that extra pound?
• Dishes/Utensils - Personally I wouldn't worry about that and would go for easier to eat food.
• Shovel
• Radio (with batteries!)
• Pen and Paper
• Axe
• Pocket Knife
• Rope
• Duct Tape

Personal Supplies and Medication

First Aid Kit and Supplies

Toiletries (roll of toilet paper- remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc.)

Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Warning: Scented soap might "flavor" food items.)

Immunizations Up-to Date

Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)

Prescription Medication (for 3 days)

Personal Documents and Money
(Place these items in a water-proof container!)

• Scriptures - Again, as a weight factor, I would leave these at home for three days, or pack a very light weight B of M copy, not my tri-book.
• Genealogy Records - With the technological advances now, these can all be fit onto a CD & ditch the big book at home.
• Patriarchal Blessing - If you are in your worst case scenario and don't have this, you can always request a duplicate from the church later.
• Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc)
• Vaccination Papers
• Insurance Policies
• Cash
• Credit Card
• Pre-Paid Phone Cards

Miscellaneous

• Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!
• Infant Needs (if applicable)
• Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged. - Most families I hear from do this every general conference as a good guide of time.
• Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
• Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
• You can include any other items in your 72 Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
• Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, "flavor" other items, or break open. Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.