72 Hour Kits- start here
72 Hour Kits.
A hot topic, as of late.
In the last week or so, 2 miles from my home has been the center of over 100 earthquakes. In Utah. Yes. I’m originally from California, and it feels like I moved back overnight. I’ve been in large earthquakes, I grew up with them. It’s only a matter of time, that here in Utah, since we live along fault lines, and they are becoming more active, that we experience a large earthquake. Also, most of us could be the victims of a any number of natural disasters at some point. Let’s be prepared.
Here’s a great article for Utah peeps: https://www.utah.gov/beready/earthquakePreparedness.html?fbclid=IwAR0xoZ6p6U7pd93LauhgttLwvpgvAJaEW3J1KtYMeBDi2j4yv8Y3NaWuQXk
If you are from another state, do a search and see what your state has prepared for you! There’s so much valuable information out there.
I’ve had a feeling I should go through my old kits, and make NEW kits for over a week now, as most of you have too.
So I looked. 2009. 2010. Expired!!!The food was inedible. The supplies were unusable. Soooo, I finally made a menu, a packing list and ordered what I needed to feed my family of 6 adults and 1 child. Dang. Lots of food was ordered. And I also upgraded my EMT kit, and made my daughter who is a CNA one as well. I use mine more than you’d imagine. Peace of mind is a must, especially during an emergency.
After posting on Instagram today, I’ve received so many messages from you asking for my menu, grocery list and packing list. How can I start? So, without further reading of information from me, here’s the link to download what I did. Keep reading if you want even more tips and tricks.
Remember, this is only what I’ve done for my family. I will continue to add more over the next few weeks, or as I think of more things to add or what we may need. Here’s a GREAT place to start.
72 HOUR KIT STARTER PACKING LIST
Be sure to make it specific to what your family will eat.
Get food that can be eaten without a lot of extra supplies.
Have a little extra just in case. Help a neighbor, friend, or stranger.
Add to it, if you think of anything else you want to put in it.
I counted how many times I was going to serve each item, for example Tuna, then times that number by the amount of people in my family. It’s an easy way to figure out how much you need of everything. Calculate your quantities before you head to the store.
Adjust it once a year. Review, make changes. Replace or eat up items that are close to expiring. Don’t wait like I did. Can you imagine? Opening up that bag of disgusting food when it was a real emergency? Yeah, me either.
FAQ: How can you start? Where do I start?
Easy. Focus on one day at a time. Start with a 24 hour kit. Food, supplies, games, etc. Then add to it. And add to it again. Don’t forget your pets. And often times, like the article states, you may need more than just 72 hours. Plan on more time for food, power and gas to be restored to you. If you look at history, it can even be a month or more before you can get what you need. Be prepared.
One more thing. Keep your car gas tanks at least 1/2 full. It’s a lesson my family learned a long time ago during a challenging and scary time. Always be prepared to drive a distance. You never know when you will need it.
Oh and one more thing. ( I feel like these dang winter snow storms) Know IF and WHEN you need to shut off gas to your home.
I think that’s all I have for now.
The best part about completing this task, is PEACE OF MIND. I am happy I was able to do this for my family, and so glad it’s there for us in case of an emergency.
What do you have in your 72 Hour Kit?
XO,
Wendy