The Importance of 72-Hour Kits: Preparedness Beyond Measure

Why is having a 72-hour kit is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family?

In an unpredictable world, where natural disasters and emergencies can strike without warning, being prepared is essential. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to safeguard yourself and your loved ones is by assembling a 72-hour kit. This compact emergency supply package is designed to sustain individuals for a crucial three-day period when traditional logistics may be disrupted.

Peace of Mind in Crisis

Life’s uncertainties underscore the importance of preparedness. A 72-hour kit offers not just physical supplies, but a sense of security during tumultuous times. Whether facing a hurricane, earthquake, flood, or unforeseen power outage, knowing you have a well-stocked kit can ease anxiety and allow you to focus on what truly matters—keeping your family safe.

On average after a major disaster, it can take government and relief officials, like the Red Cross, about 72 hours to get set up in an effected area. The first 72 hours rely heavily on the resilience of local responders, often strained under an overwhelming tide of need. Local police and fire cannot help everyone at the same time. If there is major damage to a localized area, access to the infrastructure can be greatly affected. If there are fires, then the firemen will be working the fires first from structures, gas main ruptures, and building collapse. Major disasters like earthquakes can cause roads and bridges to fail, leaving concrete debris blocking the roadway. Gas lines can rupture under the damage of roads and buildings, causing fires or dangerous gas plumes. Homes and office buildings can collapse blocking access and needing heavy equipment to clear the ways. 

There may be outages and electricity, gas, sewage treatment, or even telephone lines may be down. If the lines for phones are still working with lots of calls to emergency and other local calls may not go through. With the inundated phone lines, the best way to reach out is to use long-distance. That is why having an out-of-state contact is important, so everyone can call the out of state contact to check in and get updates on the local family and to share important information. Imagine being at work and your kids at school or home and not being able to reach them. That out of state contact may be the best way to get updates the quickest timeline.

Planning brings peace of mind, knowing when a disaster hits, having a plan in place then you implement that plan.  You do not need to figure out what to do nor does your kids and family. 

Making a plan and practice the plan, can save lives.  

Remember the 7 Ps in Preparedness

Let's talk about food kits and grab-n-go bags. Here i a list of basic supplies that FEMA recommends.

EMERGENCY SUPPLY LISTS

BASIC SUPPLIES FOR GRAB-N-GO

•  Prescription medications and glasses
•  Important family document (copy of insurance policies, ID, banking information and pictures) Waterproof container
•  Battery-powered, hand crank, or solar powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert & extra batteries for both
•  Cash and change
•  Matches (waterproof or waterproof container) and/or lighter
•  Feminine supplies & personal hygiene items
•  Basic First Aid Kit
•  Flashlight & extra batteries
•  Utility tool - wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Turning off your gas line
•  Change of clothing -long-sleeve, extra underwear/socks (colder weather need additional clothing)
•  Flashlight & extra batteries
•  Dusk mask, to filter contamination air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Whistle to signal for help
• Local maps
• *Solar Charger - for phone
• Pad of paper / pens or pencils
• Fire extinguisher
• Sleeping bags or warm blankets. (if colder temperatures then add more blankets) Having Mylar type blankets as well.
• Trash bags

FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN

• Infant formula, diaper, wipes, & bibs
• Several changes of clothing and shoes (rotate often to ensure they will fit)
• Books, games, puzzles, coloring books, or other activities for children
• Toys or favorite toy or blanket

FOOD

• 3 day / 72 hour of food for each person
• 3 day / 72 hour for each animal
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Water - 1 gallon per person for food and sanitation
• Mess kit: paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, & wipes
• Wipes to clean with
• Hand Sanitizer
• A way to heat to heat your food

MESS KIT

• Paper plates
• Paper cups
• Paper bowls
• Plastic utensils
• Paper towels
• Wipes
• Can opener
• *Can also get a camping set
• Small Pot if you need to heat up water

HEATING SOURCE FOR MESS KIT

• Sterno / small pocket stove

PET SUPPLIES Hurricane Preparedness for Pets: Essential Tips and Checklist - PackFreshUSA , Pet Emergency Disaster Preparedness - PackFreshUSAPrepping For Your Pets - Dehydrating and Freeze Drying Pet Food - PackFreshUSA I made up a grab-n-go bag for my dog.

•  Food
•  Extra water
•  Medicines
•  Leashes
•  Bowls
•  Picture of animals in case you get separated
•  Copy of shots
•  Crates
•  Toys / blankets
•  Treats

WATER

• 1 Gallon per person and extra for pets per day
•  Water tablets / household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Per Gallon is 16 drops bleach) Plain bleach only (no scented or color safe).
•  LifeStraw's

TOILET

Crafting Your DIY Emergency Toilet - PackFreshUSA

EMERGENCY TOILET video

PRACTICE YOUR PLAN

Having a well-structured evacuation plan can significantly increase safety when time is of the essence. Gather your family and regularly walk through your plans, mapping out safe routes from your home to designated meeting spots. Create scenarios: What if there’s an emergency at night? What if it happens while the kids are at school? Engaging in these exercises not only helps everyone understand their roles but also gives confidence in navigating stressful situations. 

OUT-OF-STATE CONTACT PERSON

Designate an out-of-state contact for your family. This person can serve as a reliable communication hub, providing updates and facilitating messaging for family members across various locations. Ensure everyone knows this contact's number, is familiar with how to reach them, and understands their role. Group text messages or a shared note can also establish ongoing communication to keep family informed before, during, and after an incident.

By being proactive and notebook-ready, you transform fear into confidence—the most powerful tool for facing any challenge that arises. Make your family’s safety a priority: practice your evacuation exit strategy, keep your emergency contact info accessible, and ensure everyone is well-informed. Together, you can weather the storm