Long stinking day.... one talkative preschooler, one sassy toddler and one teething baby, plus a trip to the grocery store in the pouring rain makes for a tired and slightly cranky momma. Okay so I sort of skipped a step the other day when I was telling you about my morman food storage adventure that I have embarked on... 72 hour kits. Something you hope you'll never have to use, but if you have to, you'll be very glad to have it. This is a collection of things that you keep in an easily accessible spot in your home so that in the case that you need to evacuate, such as after an earthquake or something like that, you can grab and go. I am very glad to have discovered this concept because I never thought about that kind of scenario. The most I've done is keep an extra blanket and a couple water bottles in my car in case I went off the road late at night or my car broke down. So your 72 hour kits should be carry-able (not a word) and easy to grab at a moments notice. In an emergency evacuation you may not be able to drive your car so a good choice for your kit is a backpack or a plastic container on wheels.
Good things to include in your 72 hour kit are:
-non perishable foods (you should check your kit every 6 months to take out expired food and replace it with new)
-WATER WATER WATER! Most important thing you need to survive for 72 hours. They say everyone should have atleast a gallon of water per person per day, so atleast 3 gallons of water for each person.
-blankets or sleeping bag
-extra change of clothes for each person
-small toiletries and feminine hygiene products
-a flashlight and batteries
-first aid kit
-can opener
-matches
Okay I think you get it. Think smart and pack things that you would need to survive in an emergency for three days if you were not able to stay at your house and had to live outside or in a shelter. There are tons of ideas on the internet. I actually just started on my kits this week. Everyone in the family is going to have their own "container" maybe a backpack or tub or some kind that has all of their food/supplies. Pay attention to expiration dates on foods and make sure they are shelf stable and do not require alot of cooking or water.
Good ideas for 72 hour kit menus are:
-canned soups that do not need water added (either get pop-top lids or include the can opener in your kit for sure)
-protein bars
-canned meats
-beef jerky
-small cups or cans of applesauce or fruit
-pudding
-instant oatmeal
-hot chocolate/apple cider mixes
-cup of noodle
Like I said, tons of different opinions and ideas out there on the internet. Do some research and find out what fits your family needs and preferences. If you have infants or toddlers make sure that their kit fits their needs as well. Include diapers, wipes, baby food, coloring crayons and a color book, a small reading book or stuffed animal. During a stressful time, you will want things that will make life feel sort of normal for them and things to keep them busy.
I am still in the beginning stages of the 72 hour kit for my family but this is sort of a sample of what I am including in the kids portion of the kit for food.
Breakfast: instant breakfast drink mix and powdered milk, a granola bar and a small applesauce cup
Lunch: Easy Mac, fruit/jello cup and a juice box
Dinner: Canned Raviolis, canned mandarin oranges and hot chocolate
Snacks: box of raisins, peanut butter crackers, and fruit snacks
I am actually seperating everyone's food into meals in ziploc bags so that we won't have to think as much if we ever use them, they will already be rationed out. Also, I can make sure that we all have the right amount of calories that we need.
Oh man, this can get so involved but after doing some research I think it's such a smart thing for everyone to have a kit like this. It doesn't have to take a ton of time, money or thought but it would be a real lifesaver or just a huge comfort if you were to face an emergency. I feel so much better even knowing that I have started ours and I am actually really excited to finish them. So, ready, set, go! You probably have alot of the stuff you would need at your own house, you just need to get it all together.
P.S. If you have a family, even just a spouse you should also make a plan about where to meet or how to contact eachother in the case of an earthquake or other disaster. Seriously, if you are a worry wart like me, this information and 72 hour kit will give you such a peace of mind :) The end... for now....
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