How to Pack a 72-Hour Emergency Kit in the Event of a Natural Disaster

Be Prepared and Learn How to Make a 72-Hour Emergency Kit.

As hurricanes, wildfires, mudslides, floods, and tornadoes are occurring more often, you and your family must prepare for the event of a worldwide emergency or natural disaster.

Many times, people are forced, often without any warning or notice, to leave their homes. If you must evacuate your home, plan on having enough emergency items for at least 72 hours, or more,  per person. These items should include:

Clothing

• Short and long-sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.

• Raincoat or poncho

• Undergarments

• Blankets

• Cloth sheets

• Plastic sheets

• Towels

Food that does not require cooking or refrigeration

• Three-day water supply, one gallon per person.

• Trail mix and dried fruit

• Granola and protein bars

• Crackers and cereals

• Canned beans, tuna, turkey, beef, etc. (Cans with pop-tops are more convenient.)

• Canned juice

• Dried meat, jerky

Personal supplies and medication

• First aid kit and supplies: You can either purchase one or make your own.

• Toiletries: Toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, brush, toothbrush, etc.

• Cleaning supplies: hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc.

• Medications: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, children’s medication, etc.

• Prescription medications: pack at least three days’ worth, if not more!

• Infant’s needs, if applicable.

Personal documents and money (Keep these items in a waterproof container or pouch, especially during an evacuation!)

• Legal documents: birth and marriage certificates, wills, passports, social security cards, contracts, etc.

• Medical records

• Insurance policies

• Cash

• Credit card/Checks

• Prepaid phone card

I have all my important documents in order and stored in my safe. All I have to do is grab them and throw them in my bag. With everything that is going on right now, it is so important that if you are stopped and approached during an emergency, you can verify who you are without being detained. Whether you are an American citizen or not. There will come a time when EVERYONE will be stopped and questioned!

And please keep in mind, you might never get to return to your home. So it is IMPERATIVE to have your important documents with you when you evacuate.

Fuel and light

• Battery lighting: Flashlights, lamps, etc.

• Extra batteries

• Flares

• Lighter

• Waterproof matches

Miscellaneous items and equipment

• Radio (battery-operated in case of power outage)

• Can opener

• Scissors

• Dishes and utensils

• Shovel

• Pen and paper

• Pocket knife

• Ax

• Rope

• Duct tape

• Sleeping bags

• Entertainment items, games, and activities for children

I recommend making a 72-Hour emergency kit for each family member and storing it in a backpack or duffel bag that can be easily carried or lifted. Pack other essential items in a sturdy case, tub, or trunk.

Here are some additional tips and things to think about when planning:

Ways to communicate:

• Cell phone/ text messaging

• Landline telephone (will work even when the internet, cellular networks, and infrastructures are down)

• Satellite phone: beneficial, especially in remote areas where the internet is scarce.

• Two-way radio: Also known as walkie-talkies. A pair of handheld devices that can connect provided both are on the same frequency within a certain distance.

• Citizens Band Radio (CB Radio): Capable of short-distance communication on various frequencies.

• Amateur Radio (HAM Radio): Similar to CB radio but requires the user to be a licensed American Amateur Radio operator, thus giving the user more authenticity to the information being transmitted across the airwaves.

• Police Scanner: This device allows users to hear all emergency communication between officials in the police, rescue, fire, emergency response, military, and aircraft industries. The user cannot broadcast on it, but it does allow access to important information during an emergency.

• Word-of-Mouth: When all else fails and the power is out, devices are ruined or lost, and the internet is scarce, use word-of-mouth. This is when having a prior disaster plan in place is crucial to be able to communicate with your family, friends, and loved ones during a time of crisis. If you do not have a plan in place, try not to become isolated from each other and stay together in a group to avoid being separated, lost, or misplaced.

We are facing challenging times. It is very important to be self-sufficient and prepared in every way. If you live in a place that allows you to grow your garden or food, please do that! Become self-reliant.

Please get your house in order and make right with God in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! This is spiritual warfare, but God is with us.

May God bless, protect, and watch over you.

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Kelly Kettle Base Camp uses twigs, leaves, and trash for natural fuel to cook food and boil water while on the go.

The Kelly Kettle is perfect in the event of an emergency to cook and boil water. You simply burn twigs, trash, leaves, etc., for fuel. Click image to purchase the Kelly Kettle.

Author’s Bio

Isabella Boston

Isabella Boston is a Wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio. She is well-versed in copywriting, articles, research, and medical content writing, with a focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI), autoimmune disorders, and body inflammation. She is a diarist and the author of Passion of Flames.

When Isabella is not writing, she enjoys reading, learning new languages, and spreading God’s Holy Word.