How to Create Family 72-Hour Kits in 8 Weeks

Guest Submitter, Adam Willson


Foreign Quang reader Adam Willson submitted this list after receiving it in church. He thought, as do I, that it might be of interest to FQ readers. See my previous post on the necessity of having a 72-hour kit.



WEEK ONE
Container - This can be a small suitcase, backpack, or large garbage bag.
Add 2-3 Food items (breakfast-bars, peanut butter, melba toast).
Small Ziploc bag with 4 quarters - for use in vending machines.
$10.00 to mom and dad's small Ziploc bag.

WEEK TWO
Change of Clothing - suggested surgical scrubs, or elastic waist jogging suit, change of underwear, diapers, and feminine needs. (Just a little side note- surgical scrubs have a drawstring at waist and are great for adults whose weight could change or sisters that are in their childbearing years.
Sewing kit can be purchased or make your own by placing thread, needles, small scissors, and buttons in a zip lock bag - Mom/Dad's pack.
Add 4 quarters to your Ziploc bag.
Add $10.00 to mom and dad's small Ziploc bag.

WEEK THREE
Add 2-3 Food items (granola bars, tuna, small cup of fruit).
Bar of soap, wash cloth, hand towel, in a gallon plastic bag.
1 gallon of water (note: Emergency Essentials sells 80z packets of water that is easier and lighter to carry. They sell them in a case of 64 and the cost is less than $20.)
Flashlight w/batteries in Ziploc bag. (Might consider solar, wind up or pump up flashlights)
Add 4 quarters to your Ziploc bag.
Add $10.00 to mom and dad's small Ziploc bag.

WEEK FOUR
Blanket or sleeping bag.
Add 2-3 Food items (power bars, raisins, chocolate bars, Vienna sausage).
Toilet paper, wet ones, and hand sanitizer.
Add 4 quarters to your Ziploc bag.
Add $10.00 to mom and dad's small Ziploc bag.

WEEK FIVE
Radio - solar, wind up, or battery operated. If battery operated, be sure batteries are stored in Ziploc bag. This is in Mom and Dad's packs only.
Pocketknife, swiss army knife, or leatherman. This is another item to be packed in Mom and Dad's pack only for safety reasons.
Matches in small zip-lock bag, Mom and Dad only.
Toothpaste and toothbrush.
Add 4 quarters to your Ziploc bag.
Add $10.00 to mom and dad's small Ziploc bag

WEEK SIX
Emergency tool kit (pliers, screwdrivers) in Mom/Dad's pack.
Kleenex in pocket packs.
Paper and pen.
One garbage bag.
Roster for each kit with names, addresses, and phone numbers of remote family members and all personal cell phone numbers. This is especially needed in children's packs in case of separation. Note: you may want to include this in school backpacks in case emergency happens while children are at school and relocated.
A meeting place should be included on this roster in case of separation.
Add 4 quarters to your Ziploc bag.
Add $10.00 to mom and dad's small Ziploc bag.

WEEK SEVEN
A gallon ziplock bag with paper plates, napkins, utensils, and straws.
First aid kit, this can be purchased or made -Mom/Dad's pack only. Items to include are:
Essential medications. (i.e. Prescription Medication, or any special over the counter medication for children or adults.)
Pain killers - i.e. Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and if you have children remember to include Children's Pain Killers.
Alcohol pads and anti-bacterial hand cleaner
Band aids (Assorted Sizes)
Tweezers
Non-latex gloves
Antibiotic ointment
Anti-diarrhea Medications
Insect repellant (suggested wipes or pump sprays, not aerosol).
Add 4 quarters to your Ziploc bag.
Add $10.00 to mom and dad's small Ziploc bag.

WEEK EIGHT
Poncho or large plastic garbage bag.
Scriptures for Mom and Dad's pack.
Games or books one for each child, you may want to pack travel games and card games such as UNO, Skip Bo, Old Maid, Crazy Eights, etc.
Consecrated oil in both Mom and Dad's pack only.
Add 4 quarters to your Ziploc bag.
Add $10.00 to mom and dad's small Ziploc bag.