Posted on 07/21/2009 10:36:20 AM PDT by ChocChipCookie
The first 72 hours following any disaster are the most critical, but it's also during those intial hours that emergency services and personnel are stretched to the limit. With a system of carefully planned 72 Hour Kits, your family can be self-sufficient until help arrives.
72 Hour Kits, or Bug Out Bags, are those handy-dandy, all-in-one grab bags that, theoretically, could keep you and your family in good shape during a three day emergency. How well they do their job depends on how well-equipped they are for your family's particular needs.
Think of your 72 Hour System as three layers that include kits for each individual, a kit of general items, and a vehicle kit. With these in place, you'll be prepared for those first critical hours whenever and wherever they might occur.
Layer 1: Individual Kits
The first layer of this emergency system is the Individual Kit. These kits contain clothing, a change of shoes, toiletries, and anything else required by a specific person. The contents can be packed in any type of bag, preferably something you already have on hand or can pick up at a garage sale. Some people prefer medium sized duffle bags, and one gal has hers' packed in a plastic bin. A variety of containers is probably a good idea to give you more flexibility on your journey.
Think of layers, too, when planning the clothing for each Individual Kit and try to select items that aren't bulky. In a nutshell, here is a list of clothing items that would be suitable for most people and situations.
* two short-sleeved cotton knit t-shirts
* one long-sleeved, light-colored cotton knit shirt
* two pairs light-weight pants
* one pair shorts - useful for swimming and as pajamas
* 3 pairs underwear
* an extra bra or two (for the women!)
* 3 pairs socks
* a waterproof, light weight jacket
* shoes - comfortable, practical
I suppose you could worry about color coordinated outfits and accessories if you really want the added stress, but comfort and packability are far more important factors! Also, since there really is a lot involved with this whole "preparedness" thing, save money by using clothing you already have or can purchase very inexpensively. Second hand stores are your friend! Save the cutest, newest things to wear right now!
By the way, Individual Kits for children should be a size and weight they can handle on their own. Even a preschooler can wear a backpack for a good long while if it's the right size and isn't too heavy. Heck, you could even pack a kit for your dogs with some sort of carrier harness! In a dire situation, no one gets a free ride!
Speaking of kids, include a few items to provide comfort and entertainment, such as a favorite toy or a lovie of some sort. Other than taking into consideration the size and weight of an item, I would suggest giving your child plenty of leeway when they make their choice of their comfort item. A puzzle book, pad of paper, and colored pencils can help keep older kids occupied, and a small bag of hard candy can provide a much-needed treat in a stressful situation. Audiobooks, along with a portable CD player or iPod take up very little room for the hours of entertainment they provide. For a few more tips, check out this site.
Speaking of comfort items, what activities do you turn to when you're stressed out? Is there something you could pack in your own kit that would help you become centered? Knitting usually does the trick for me. When I focus on those tiny stitches, I forget, for a time, everything else around me. Perhaps your comfort item might be a well-loved book, the Bible, or a journal. Remember, we have to take care of ourselves in order to help lead our families in good times and bad.
And for your husband? I know mine would vote for a 2-liter bottle of Diet Coke and a large Butterfinger candy bar for his comfort items, but you just pack whatever will keep your husband in his happy place!
Each person should have either their own canteen or a couple of small water bottles in their kits. Hopefully, you've equipped your vehicle with larger water containers and have those as part of your Family Evacuation Plan, but the small bottles will insure that everyone gets a drink as soon as they're thirsty, and you, the mom, won't have to be in charge of handing out drinks. On a warm day, that could become a part-time job!
The last item for the Individual Kits is a small toiletry bag. Consider which items are necessary to keep everyone healthy and fresh smelling, and pack those. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, a hairbrush or comb, and hand sanitizer would provide the basics for most people. Again, consider personal needs such as contact lens solution and case, a spare pair of glasses, or an inhaler. The rule of thumb is to pack things most often used by that individual.
Got pets? Pack a small bag for them as well. I have complete details here.
Layer 2: a Family Kit
When I packed my first 72 Hour Kit, I put everything in one large Rubbermaid tub and then had second thoughts when I had to dig through multiple shirts, socks, and cans of beef stew just to reach a bottle of shampoo.
A separate Family Kit will contain everything else needed by the family as a whole. Feel free to divide this kit into more than one container. In fact, one gal uses a plastic garbage can as part of her 72 hour system, and another friend packs blankets and inflatable pillows in a 5-gallon bucket that can double as an emergency toilet.
The Family Kit will contain the majority of your food. You know what your family will eat and any food allergies, so plan accordingly. If you pack food that must be warmed up, make sure you include a way to do that. I purchased a couple of Nu-Wick candles and a folding stove. I figured that a warm meal is far more satisfying and comforting than eating cold ravioli three days in a row. A few food items I've packed are:
* energy bars
* cans of fruit
* beef jerky
* peanut butter/cracker sandwiches
* cans of beef stew and ravioli
* cookies
* packages of freeze dried meals
You'll find extensive lists for 72 Hour Kits on the web. I like the ones here, here and here. Be sure to not over-pack. There's no need for everyone in the family to have a hatchet, for example, unless you're a family of fire-fighters!
One family I know of keeps a tent, sleeping bags and a camp stove all packed together and ready to go at a moment's notice. They are ready to camp anywhere and, if they ever have to evacuate to a shelter, the tent provides privacy and security for their belongings.
You can buy ready-made kits, but I think making your own is a useful process. It forces you to take into consideration your family's unique needs rather than trying to fit your family to a prepackaged product. Also, by making selections yourself, you'll be intimately familiar with every item and where it's located.
Layer 3: Vehicle Kits
With my luck, the worst disaster to hit my city will happen when I'm 30 miles from home on the hottest day of the year! Some of us busy SurvivalMoms practically live in our vehicles! It only makes sense to have a few extra supplies in the trunk of our car, just in case.
Check out my articles on Vehicle 72 Hour Kits for details. I've even included separate instructions for a kit to store in your husband's vehicle. Remember to make a plan for storing a few gallons of water, either by using 2-liter soda bottles that have been cleaned and refilled with water, collapsible water containers, or something similar. Regardless of the season, if you're stranded somewhere in your car, water will be an issue.
Putting all the layers together
One of the final pieces of your preparedness plan is to write out an evacuation plan. You can find information and examples here. This step is important because it puts the 72 Hour Kits in motion, literally.
Your personalized plan will designate who loads the Kits, who will be in charge of pets, and steps for preparing your home for an extended absence. It's vital to put this plan in writing, post copies around the house, include a copy in your Survival Mom Binder, and then rehearse your plan. Only then will you know if everything will fit in your minivan!
It's a good feeling to know you're ready for whatever comes. Chances are, you may never need these 72 Hour Kits, but the problem with emergencies is that they never arrive announced, and that is what makes preparedness a worthy goal.
Take a look here
Provided you DON'T PANIC!
Its the copper that will kill ya. Algeacides have copper in high enough concentrations to cause serious harm.
I only panic when a Vogon reads his poetry at me.
Does sterno even get hot enough to cook or boil water?
I switched to a soda-can alcohol stove to compliment my MSR Pocket Rocket.
Those alcohol stoves are fun to make.
I have over a dozen all over my garage desk.
***Does sterno even get hot enough to cook or boil water?***
I cooked many a meal over a can of STERNO in a hooch in SE Asia! I don’t remember trying to boil water but it did get soup hot!
I think the stuff out there now is the tamer stuff, for keeping buffet tables warm. I tried some about five years ago and couldn’t get anywhere near a boil.
Now, 100% denatured alcohol will get the heat going and you don’t have to waste any unburned fuel.
I think the stuff in SEA prolly had a little nape and mogas in it ;)
For shame.... ;-)
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What's a BOB?
Excellent resource.
I am chiefly concerned with shelf life.
FWIW(IMHO): Water is water. Distilled would probably be best, followed by spring and then tap(depending on your muni water source).
The enemies of storing it are evaporation, and leaching of chemicals from its container, plastic in particular. Aluminum gives "fresh" beer a metallic aftertaste (IMHO), glass of course it best. Glass is also heavy, and breakable.
But whatever you store it in, as long as it's a tight seal, the water should still be there for you. Granted it may not taste as good as "fresh", but depending on where you find yourself, it will most probably be a damn sight better and safer, than unknown local sources.
And don’t forget the can opener.
How are you feeling, appleseed? I was a little worried about you.
***And don’t forget the can opener.***
I remember a comic book with that plot in the early 1960s..
A man builds a bomb shelter in his backyard. the neighbors laugh. Then the day comes when nukes start coming in. He runs to his shelter and locks hiself in and neighbors out. A time lock will not let it open for a year. Then he remembers, he forgot the can opener!
We used it for emergency heat if stalled out in Alaska in winter.
You sass that hoopy frood, Ford Prefect? /Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy>
Seriously, well done. Agreed with you on both points.
Cheers!
Being Prepared to Survive on Your Own
With the threat of catastrophic terror attacks on US soil, and with the help of other survival instructors the below is a list of actions to take and supplies to have on hand to help us survive the next hit.
Pre Event Actions:
1. Learn about the natural disasters that could occur in your community from your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter. Learn whether hazardous materials are produced, stored or transported near your area. Learn about possible consequences of deliberate acts of terror. Ask how to prepare for each potential emergency and how to respond.
2. Talk with employers and school officials about their emergency response plans.
3. Talk with your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to each. Talk about what you would need to do in an evacuation. If someone in the family has a critical job, expect them to be gone.
4. Plan how your household would stay in contact if you were separated. Identify two meeting places: the first should be near your home—in case of fire, perhaps a tree or a telephone pole; the second should be away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
5. Pick a friend or relative who lives out of the area for household members to call to say they are okay.
6. Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.
7. Post emergency telephone numbers by telephones. Teach children how and when to call 911.
8. Make sure everyone in your household knows how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at the main switches. Consult with your local utilities if you have questions.
9. Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides “good Samaritan” law protection for those giving first aid.
10. Reduce the economic impact of disaster on your property and your household’s health and financial well-being:
Review property insurance policies before disaster strikes – make sure policies are current and be certain they meet your needs (type of coverage, amount of coverage, and hazards covered – flood, earthquake, etc.)
Protect your household’s financial well-being before a disaster strikes— review life insurance policies and consider saving money in an “emergency” savings account that could be used in any crisis. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks at home in a safe place where you can quickly gain access to it in case of an evacuation.
Be certain that health insurance policies are current and meet the needs of your household.
11. Consider ways to help neighbors who may need special assistance, such as the elderly or the disabled.
12. Make arrangements for pets. Pets are not allowed in public shelters. Service animals for those who depend on them are allowed.
13. Ensure all immunizations are up-to-date. If we are hit with true mass causality event, the bodies may lie around for days or weeks. Rotting corpses will cause disease outbreaks.
14. If you have a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your household in an emergency. If you know of friends or neighbors with special needs, help them with these extra precautions. Hearing impaired may need to make special arrangements to receive warning. Mobility impaired may need assistance in getting to a shelter. Households with a single working parent may need help from others both in planning for disasters and during an emergency. People without vehicles may need to make arrangements for transportation. People with special dietary needs should have an adequate emergency food supply. Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or fire department for assistance, so needed help can be provided quickly in an emergency.
15. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure they know how to operate necessary equipment.
16. If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair. If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you evacuate the building. Keep extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for guide or hearing-ear dogs, or other items you might need. Also, keep a list of the type and serial numbers of medical devices you need.
17. Those who are not disabled should learn who in their neighborhood or building is disabled so that they may assist them during emergencies. If you are a care-giver for a person with special needs, make sure you have a plan to communicate if an emergency occurs.
Preparedness Overview:
You may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means having your own water, food and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks or duffel bags to keep the supplies together. Assembling the supplies you might need following a disaster is an important part of your disaster plan. You should prepare emergency supplies for the following situations:
A disaster supply kit with essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days—this kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to “grab and go” in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make sure all household members know where the kit is kept.
Consider having additional supplies for sheltering or home confinement for up to four weeks.
You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one container, ready to "grab and go" in case you have to evacuate the building. Remember to have a comfortable pair of shoes in case you need to walk long distances.
A car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water, to keep stored in your car at all times. This kit would also include flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.
Stockpiling Water Safely
Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your household. Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate. A normally active person needs at least two quarts of water daily just for drinking. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more. Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed. Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes and, possibly, for cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Don't use containers that can break, such as glass bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Sound plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food grade plastic buckets or drums. Containers for water should be rinsed with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) before use. Previously used bottles or other containers may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals. Do not rely on untested devices for decontaminating water.
If your water is treated commercially by a water utility, you do not need to treat water before storing it. Additional treatments of treated public water will not increase storage life. If you have a well or public water that has not been treated, follow the treatment instructions provided by your public health service or water provider. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice.
Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark place. It is important to change stored water every six months.
Food:
If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period or without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.
You don’t need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Canned foods do not require cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener.
Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is fairly cool. To protect boxed foods from pests and to extend their shelf life, store the food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
Replace items in your food supply every six months. Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded. Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies. Date each food item with a marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.
Food items that you might consider including in your disaster supply kit include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered milk.
Buy a box of MRE entrée’s – 72 packages of main course MRE meals and keep them at home. They will fee a familty of four for about a week. It’s no frills eating.
You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones, may be cut off for days, even a week or longer. Or you may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you.
You probably won’t have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you’ll need. Your household will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.
First aid:
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Isopropyl alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Antibiotic ointment
Latex gloves (2 pairs)
Petroleum jelly
2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6 each size)
Triangular bandages(3)
2-inch and 3-inch sterile rolled bandages (3 rolls each)
Cotton balls
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic
Thermometer
Tongue depressor blades (2)
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Sunscreen
Aspirin
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid
Tagamet
Decongestant
Cough Suppressant
Space Blanket
Mole Skin & Foam
Epi-pin
Snake Bite Kit
Tools:
A portable, battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight(3), extra bulbs(6) & batteries(12)
Oil Lamps (Hurricane)
Signal flare(6)
Candles
Matches
Lighters
Waterproof Matches
Magnesium Fire Starter
Paraffin
Leather-man Tool(2)
All Purpose Knife(2)
Duct tape
Scissors
Plastic sheeting
Whistle
Small canister, A-B-C-type fire extinguisher(2)
Compass(2)
Work gloves (2)
Paper, pens, and pencils
Needles and thread (2)
Wrist Watch
Honing Stone & Oil
Hatchet
Shovel
Kitchen items:
Manual can opener
Mess kit
Fork & Spoon
Knife
Frying Pan
Pots
Plastic Forks, Spoons, Knives
Heavy Duty Paper Plates
PUR Drinking Water System
Extra filters & batteries for PUR Water Filter
Water Bottles
Propane Stove
Propane Grill
Extra Case(s) Propane
Heavy Duty Tin Foil
Trioxane Stove
Trioxane Fuel
Sterno Fuel
ZipLoc bags (Lg & Sm)
Cooler
Food:
Vitamins
Summer Sausage
Beef Jerky
Slim Jim
Peanut Butter
Hard Candy
Freeze Dried Dinners
Canned Veggies
Canned Meats
Canned Soups & Stews
Bulk Flour
Bulk Grains (Wheat, etc.)
Coffee
Tea
Sugar
Salt & Pepper
Water:
(1 gal. per person per day)
Sanitation and hygiene items:
Washcloth and towel
Towelettes
Soap
Hand sanitizer
Liquid detergent
Tooth paste and toothbrushes
Shampoo
Deodorant
Feminine Supplies
Razor
Shaving cream
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags (to go potty in)
Toilet paper
Medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Chlorine bleach
Shovel (for a latrine)
Documents:
Personal identification
Cash
Emergency phone numbers
Maps of the area
Misc:
Extra pair of prescription glasses
Candles
Extra set of car & house keys
Reading material, books, etc.
Games for the kids
Clothing (no cotton):
Heavy, Waterproof Boots
Wool Socks
Rain gear
Hat w/ visor
Gloves
Sunglasses
Capelin Pants (4)
Wind pants
Polypro Shirt (2)(short sleeve)
Polortek Shirt (2)(Long sleeve)
Polartek Pants (2)
Polypro Boxers(5)
Gortex/Thinsulate Parka
Gortex/Thinsulate Bibs
Shelter:
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Tent
Small Tarps
Large Tarp
Folding Chair
Nylon Cord
Good thinking. Wool, in case most people are unfamiliar with the fiber, will stay warm even if it is wet, which is why commercial fishermen preferred woolen clothing. (New, high-tech fibers may have replaced wool for the most part, but it's a good thing to know when selecting clothing and blankets for a 72-hr. kit.)
My little subdivision has a community well. If the power goes out, the pump stops, and eventually, we are all without water. So I keep a five-gallon water jug filled for the occasion. Here in Alaska, the possibility of an evacuation for whatever reason is quite real, so the "bug-out" bags we keep are put together with an eye toward portability. Lightweight food items, like jerky, freeze-dried fruits, vegetables (expensive!) and meals, and the compact and useful items that can be found in REI and other outdoors-oriented retailers are a godsend. DON'T FORGET PLASTIC CUTLERY, TOILET PAPER, AND PAPER TOWELS! (voice of experience...)
If you trust your tapwater source, by all means store it. Fill the bottle clear to the brim, but when you go to use it, pour some into a smaller container and leave enough room so it can be shaken vigorously. This will add oxygen to the water and freshen the taste. Keep a small bottle each of iodine, clorox, peroxide, and if you can find it, colloidal silver for purification, antiseptic use, and first aid. A drop or two of clorox or iodine should purify a half a gallon of water, if I remember correctly (Please check on this, as I am not sure of my proportions!)
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