72 Hour Emergency Kit

 A 72 hour kit is designed to help you survive a disaster until additional help can arrive, which is usually within 3 days. You can purchase pre-made kits from a variety of websites, however most of the things you will need are already in your home. Here is a sample of some of the things in my kit. Feel free to customize your kit for your families needs.


I purchased two carry-on size luggage to keep the adults kit in. You want to make sure that you can move this kit easily if you need to evacuate, so keep that in mind when choosing a container.

Food and water

I have :Mountain House freeze dried meals (3- 2 person servings)

Oatmeal packets (3/person)

Tuna pouch (3/person)

Idahoan instant potatoes (1/person)

Beef Jerky (1/person)

granola bars, trail mix, and werthers hard candy (comfort food)

1 gal of water person plus a water filter

Clothing, rain coat,baby items- diapers, wipes, blanket, personal care items

Flashlight, can opener, spork, knife, lighter, Sterno, matches, axe, kindling, reusable hand warmer

                           Water filter, pocket rocket stove, fuel, duct tape, aluminum pot/pans

Here is the checklist I used to make my kit.

• Update your kit every six months ( General Conference is a great time) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication are fresh (not expired), clothing fits, personal documents and credit cards are up to date, and batteries are charged.

• Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and

entertainment during a stressful time.
• Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
• You can include any other items you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
• Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, “flavor” other items, or break open.
Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.

Food and Water

(3 day supply of food & water per person

when no refrigeration/cooking is available)
_ Protein/Granola Bars
_ Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
_ Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
_ Canned Tuna, Beans, Meat, Vienna
Sausages, etc (“pop-top” cans might leak/
explode & Jerky can “flavor” other items)
_ Canned Juice
_ Candy/Gum (Jolly ranchers can melt &
mint gum might “flavor” other items)
_ Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters per person per day)

 Bedding and Clothing

_ Change of Clothing (short and long
sleeve shirts, pants, socks, jackets, etc.)
_ Undergarments
_ Rain Coat /Poncho
_ Blankets and Emergency Heat Blankets
_ Cloth Sheet
_ Plastic Sheet

Fuel & Light

_ Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps)

_ Extra Batteries
_ Flares
_ Candles
_ Lighter
_ Water-Proof Matches

 Miscellaneous

_ Bag or Bags to put 72 hour kit items in

(such as duffel bags or hiking back packs carry-on size luggage)
_ Infant Needs (if applicable)
_Coloring book and colored pencils (Child entertainment)

 Equipment

_ Can Opener

_ Dishes/Utensils
_ Shovel
_ Radio (with batteries!)
_ Pen and Paper
_ Axe
_ Pocket Knife
_ Rope
_ Duct Tape

Personal Supplies & Medication

_ First Aid Supplies

_ Toiletries (roll of toilet paper—remove
center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock
bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc)
_ Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer,
soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Warning:
Scented soap might “flavor” food items.)
_ Immunizations Up-to Date
_ Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen,
children’s medication, etc.)
_ Prescription Medication (you may not be able to keep them in your pack, just make sure they are easily accessible)

 Personal Documents and Money( I scanned all documents onto a SD card)

(Place these items in a water-proof container!)
_ Scriptures (miniature ones are lighter)
_ Genealogy Records
_ Patriarchal Blessing
_ Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage
Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts)
_ Vaccination Papers
_ Insurance Policies
_ Cash
_ Credit Card
_ Pre-Paid Phone Cards