Survival Kit

Create Your Own 72-Hour Kit

You can save money and have a truly customized kit by gathering supplies and creating it yourself. You probably already have a number of the necessary items kicking around the house. Start with our list of suggestions below, and modify it to suit your family’s unique needs.

72-Hour Emergency / Evacuation Kit

Suggested Items by Category
(Adjust this list to the specific needs of your family)

 
Water

  • 1-3 gallons of water per person
  • Water filter
  • Water purification drops or tablets

Warmth

  • Windproof/waterproof matches
  • Sturdy tent
  • Sleeping bags or wool-blend blankets
  • Emergency reflective blankets
  • Hand and body warm packs

Light

  • Flashlights
  • Extra batteries for flashlights
  • Candles
  • Light sticks

Sanitation

  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Washcloths
  • Feminine hygiene supplies
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Garbage bags & twist-ties

Communications

  • Radio with batteries or alternate power
  • Whistle
  • Signal mirror
  • Pencil and paper

Toiletries

  • Soap
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Combs
  • Tissues
  • Razors
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Shampoo
 Special Needs

  • Prescription medications
  • Baby items (diapers, formula, etc.)
  • Other items needed by family members

Extra Clothing

  • Warm shirts
  • Long pants
  • Underwear
  • Warm socks

First Aid

  • Bandages
  • Gauze pads
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Fever reducer / pain killer
  • Clean washcloths

Stress Relievers

  • Scriptures
  • Hard candies
  • Small games
  • Children’s favorite security items

Food

  • Small camp stove
  • Mess kits or camp cooking kit
  • Plastic or Lexan utensils
  • MREs
  • Dehydrated foods
  • Crackers
  • Canned foods that do not need cooking
  • Can opener

Miscellaneous

  • Pocket knife or Leatherman
  • Insect repellent
  • Sewing kit
  • 50-foot rope
  • List of phone numbers you might need

Keep your 72-hour kit in a location near the front door of your home so you can grab it and go.

Put your kit in backpacks or other easy-to-carry containers. Package items in waterproof plastic bags.

Rotate the food and water, check the batteries, and make sure the clothing still fits, at least once a year.

 

Emergency (72-Hour) Kit Essentials

To provide maximum protection in an emergency, a 72-hour kit should be:

Portable. Your kit won’t be of much value in an evacuation if you can’t carry it. Keep it compact and lightweight.

Easily accessible. Keep your kit near an exit door, where you can grab it and go. Don’t bury it under clutter.

Up-to-date. Rotate food and medications at least every six months. Check the clothing annually to make sure it fits. Check expiration dates on batteries.

Complete. Check your kit regularly to make sure you have everything your family needs for three days’ survival.

Waterproof. Put all items inside ziplock bags or tied plastic garbage bags, so they won’t be ruined by rain or flood water.

Usable. Make sure you know how to use everything in your kit, and that the supplies are of good quality. Don’t weigh down your kit with junk.

Divisible. Provide a backpack or portable container for each family member, in case you get separated.

Personalized. No commercial kit or generic supply list will completely provide for the unique needs of your family. You will need to adjust the contents and check them frequently to make sure your current needs such as medications, baby supplies, and so forth, are met.

Versatile. Make sure your kit contains supplies for sheltering at home as well as for evacuation.