Comprehensive 72-Hour Survival Kit Checklist

72-Hour Survival Kit Checklist

Please adjust this list to fit your local region and specific family requirements

Item

Notes

Drinking Water

Three gallons of drinking water stored for each person

Sanitation Water

Two gallons of washing water for each person (or have a plan for accessing water)

Food

Three-day supply

Shelter

Tent or preplanned location for gathering and shelter

Wool-blend blanket or sleeping bag

One for each person, in waterproof bag or container

Camp stove and fuel

Store fuel in safe, yet accessible location

Cooking pots & utensils

Include manual can opener

Flashlights

One for each person - LED type preferred

AM/FM Radio with batteries

Self powered wind-up "Freeplay" type preferred.

Alkaline or lithium batteries

Enough batteries to run all flashlights and radio continuously for 3 days

Long-burning Candle

Preferably in "hurricane" fixture or other safety enclosure

Mantle lantern

With extra mantles and sufficient fuel for three days continuous use

"Cyalume" light sticks

For use as markers and to comfort small children

Windproof/waterproof matches

Second method to start fire

Butane lighter or sparker

Disposable plates, cups and utensils. Paper towels.

Ziplock bags

Various sizes

Duct tape

Six large rolls

Plastic sheeting

Six large 2-mil tarps minimum. More are better. Thicker is better.

Tools

Include shovel, hatchet or axe, pocket knife

First aid kit and supplies

With first aid manual. Include burn gel and large dressings

Prescription medicines taken regularly

Consume every six months and replace with fresh bottle

Bottle of potassium iodide tablets

In case of radiation exposure

Emergency battery pack for cell phone

Make sure phone is accessible and operational in shelter location

50-foot nylon rope and heavy-duty nylon tarp with grommets

For emergency shelter construction

Whistle with neck cord

Makeshift toilet

Can be made from a five-gallon spackle bucket and toilet seat

Toilet paper

13-gallon trash can liners

For toilet liner and other uses

Nitrile rubber gloves

Small and large sizes.

Dust masks

Bottle of disinfectant

Lysol and/or Clorox

Personal comfort kit

Soap, toothbrush and paste, comb, tissue, sanitary napkins, razor, and other needed items. Sewing kit.

Spare eyeglasses

In case main set are broken or unavailable

Pet food and supplies

Include extra drinking water for pet

Fire extinguisher

Class ABC type

Money

At least $500 in kit. Include small bills, quarters for phone calls, large bills for bribes.

Important Papers

Copies of important documents: wills, birth certificates, insurance forms, emergency phone numbers.

Pillows and foam sleeping pads

Not essential but very nice to have

Stress Relievers

Games, books, hard candy. For children: small toys, paper and pen, small stuffed animal.

Extra Clothing

A complete outfit of appropriate clothing for each family member. Include extra socks, underwear, hat, sturdy shoes, and gloves

Emergency reflective blanket

Durable water resistant duffel bag, frame pack or day pack

In case of evacuation

Additional Notes

(1) Your kit should be placed in portable containers located near an exit of your house. This is so you can grab them on your way out of the house in a serious emergency. Do not overload your kit – you may have to carry it long distances to reach safety or shelter.

(2) Each family member should have their own kit with food, clothing and water. Distribute heavy items between kits.

(3) Enclose the extra clothing, matches, personal documents, and other items damageable by smoke or water in plastic to protect them. If it's raining when you have to evacuate, you will appreciate the dry clothes.

(4) Keep a small LED flashlight (preferably with long-life lithium batteries) in the top of your kit, so you can find it quickly in the dark.

(5) Personalize your kit. Make sure you fill the needs of each family member.

(6) Inspect your kit at least twice a year. Rotate food and water. Check children's clothing for proper fit. Adjust clothing for winter or summer needs. Check expiration dates on batteries, light sticks, warm packs, food and water.

(7) Consider the needs of elderly people as well as those with disabilities or other special needs. For example: for babies, store diapers, washcloth, ointment, bottles and pacifiers, and other special supplies.

(8) Make copies of important personal/business documents and store them in a safe place.

(9) Identify an out of state contact person so family and friends can communicate with you during an emergency.

(10) Develop an individual/family/business emergency plan.

(11) Plan for a meeting place if you cannot meet at home

(12) Discuss what children should do if at school

(13) Coordinate with neighbors for pick-up if children attend the same school

(14) Designate a surrogate parent for your children if you are not able to tend to them

(15) Provide all of this information to your child’s school

(16) Learn how to locate and shut-off (if necessary) power, water, and gas.