72 Hour Preparedness Kit

72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Kit – Helping Neighbors Prepare

Make sure you have and know the location of the following items, in case of an emergency. During a significant emergency in our community, think earthquake or prolonged utility outage, significant help from outside sources may take days to arrive. Prepare accordingly.

• Drinking Water – minimum of 1 gallon per person per day; suggested 3 gallons per person per day, more for pets (plus pet food).

• Warm, Dry Clothes – dress for the season (including snow). Ex. heavy boots, gloves, layers, etc.

• Non-perishable Food – think about a camping trip, at home or in your car, without power – consider canned food, protein bars, etc.

• Sanitation Items – hand washing soap, toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes, disposal of  waste, etc.

• Flashlights – extra batteries – chem. light sticks – do not plan on using candles or lighting from an open flame (fire and CO hazards).

• Communications – portable radio – battery powered w/extra batteries, 1600 & 1700 AM for official information, cell (and charger)/satellite/landline.

• Medications, Eyeglasses and First Aid Supplies – include prescriptions, sunscreen, lip balm, OTC for pain, colds, cough, etc.

• Cash and Important Records – cash, important records: birth certificate, marriage license, drivers license, social security number, medical information, financial statements (most recent), passport, phone numbers, etc.

• Tools and Security Items – hand tools, manual can opener, pocket knife or multi-use tool, etc.

There is a lot of information regarding preparedness and 72 hour kits available. Consider using www.ready.gov as well as the American Red Cross as initial sources. Fine tune your preparedness based on your experiences and individual needs. Build skills through training. Use your 72 Hour Preparedness Kit in the event of any evacuation.

**Please Note: Review of community and individual responses to major incidents and disasters (Katrina, others) points us to considering expanding the 72 hour kit recommendations by two or three fold…a 172 hour kit (which is a week plus 4 hours).