PROVIDENT LIVING
72 Hour Kits
Last week San Diego experienced no power from around 4:00 pm Thursday till early Friday morning. Were you prepared? Or were you scrambling to find flashlights, candles and matches? I know I fit in the unprepared category so doing this post is therapeutic. With a bit of luck this post will aid those of you who like me, need to PREPARE for the calamites that will come. Having a 72 hour kit will provide peace of mind so we need not fear.
In words of revelation the Lord proclaimed, “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing” (D&C 109:8). Following the counsel we have received will bless us. At first making sure you have everything in case of an emergency may seem daunting. A good place to START is to simply review the 72 hour checklist and decide what you feel is appropriate for your household. Once you have decided the items you need for your household, choose an area in your home where you would like to store your kit. An easy way to make this task FUN is: Do a scavenger hunt for Family Home Evening where you find items from the checklist that you already have in your home. For other items you may not have, don’t worry about buying everything in one shopping trip, especially if money is tight. Make a list and pick up a few items every time you go to the store. Keep an eye on the sales and you'll have it finished before you know it!
72 HOUR CHECKLIST:
WATER - Store 1 gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three day supply of water.
FOOD and UTENSILS - At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food that could include ready-to-eat meats, canned foods, instant oatmeal, peanut butter, dried fruit, juices, high-energy foods such as granola or power bars. You may want to include comfort/stress foods like cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, etc.
NOAA WEATHER ALERT RADIO - either hand crank or battery powered, extra batteries if needed.
BLANKETS/PILLOWS/SLEEPING BAG/TENT/COMPASS
FLASHLIGHT and extra batteries or hand crank, or light sticks. Do not use candles/open flame during an emergency.
WHISTLE- for emergency signal. Ready to hang around neck.
DUST or FILTER MASKS - readily available in hardware store (N95 mask recommended for preventing inhalation of airborne particles).
TOOLS - Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, broom, shovel, hammer, scissors & working gloves.
KITCHEN ACCESSORIES - manual can opener, mess kits or disposable cups, plates and utensils, utility knife, sugar and salt, aluminum foil and plastic wrap, re-sealable plastic bags, matches in a waterproof container.
PLASTIC SHEETING & duct tape (10 millimeters thick) to “seal the room” for sheltering in place.
MEDICATIONS - include prescription and non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, etc.
FIRST AID SUPPLIES - An assortment of bandages, ointments, gauze pads, cold/hot packs, tweezers, scissors and sanitizer.
CLOTHING ITEMS - For each person one complete change of clothing and footwear, including sturdy work shoes or boots, rain gear, and other items adjusted for the season, such as hat and gloves, thermal underwear, sunglasses, dust mask.
SANITATION and HYGIENE ITEMS - moist towelettes or baby wipes for sanitation, toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent, feminine supplies, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, comb and brush, lip balm, sunscreen, plastic garbage bags (heavy-duty) and ties (for personal sanitation uses), medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, household chlorine bleach.
PAPER SUPPLIES - Note pads, markers, pens, pencils, plates, napkins, paper towels and etc.
CAMERA - Disposable camera to record damage.
CASH/ATM AND CREDIT CARD - Keep enough cash for immediate needs in small denominations.
EMERGENCY CONTACT PHONE LIST.
MAPS - Local road and area maps. You might want to mark the places you could go and their telephone numbers.
MEDICAL HISTORY LISTS - For every family member in your home make a list of medical history, all medications (by name) and dosages.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS - Make sure to have copies of personal identification, such as driver’s licenses, passports, and work identification badges
ITEMS FOR INFANTS - such as formula, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, powdered milk, and medications not requiring refrigeration.
ITEMS FOR SENIORS - disabled persons, or anyone with serious allergies. Special items, such as denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eyeglasses, and hearing aid batteries.
ACTIVITIES - Have items for adults (e.g. deck of cards) and kids (e.g. coloring books with crayons)
MISCILLANIOUS - Have an extra set of car keys and house keys.
Nitty-Gritty:
PORTABLE - Your kit won’t be of much value in an evacuation if you can’t carry it. Suggested items to store your emergency kit in are: rolling backpacks, suitcases, plastic bins, duffle bags, wagons, and any type of container with wheels.
EASILY ACCESSIBLE - Keep your kit near an exit door, make sure everyone knows where it is so you can grab it and go.
UP-TO-DATE - Rotate food and medications at least every six months. Check expiration dates on batteries.
We LOVE YOU,
Sallee, Debs, Erin & Andrea
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