In our final installment of this four-part series on how to prepare your 72-hour survival kit, we have just a few final essentials we need to make sure get stashed away for an emergency. You will note we said the last of four; we strongly encourage you to review parts one, two and three of this series. They cover everything from pre-planning, food and water, to medical supplies. It is information you cannot afford to go without.
There are just a few more things to consider when customizing a complete 72-hour kit. They are essentials, but are too customized to really lump into any other category.
Part 4 – Lights, Tools and the Rest
Has the power ever gone out in your house, but you keep habitually flipping the light switch expecting it to work? We take light for granted, don’t we? There are many options for emergency light sources. Flashlights are small and lightweight, and hand crank models do not need batteries. Lanterns (battery- or fuel-powered) light up a larger area and can also act as a small heat source. The flicker of candles can be relaxing, while light sticks fascinate small children. Headlamps are a great utility item since they leave both hands free to rig a tent or prepare a meal. Be sure to rotate batteries as needed. Propane or butane cylinders for fuel lanterns typically have a shelf life of several years.
When it comes to tools, there are a few key essentials that will not take up much space or add too much weight. A multi-function pocketknife is the ultimate survival tool, just ask any Boy Scout. You will also want a crescent wrench for turning off the gas at the meter in case of earthquake or evacuation. Duct tape can be considered a tool and is very versatile. A saw or hatchet will be useful in collecting firewood should the necessity arise.
In the end, there infinite ways you can prepare your 72-hour survival kit. The following list is compiled from multiple Internet resources and all can justifiably be added to your kit. Be forewarned—the more you add, the more you carry:
- Local area map
- Corded phone
- Cell phone solar or crank charger
- Battery powered or crank radio
- Dust mask
- Plastic sheeting
- Pet food
- Copies of important documents
- Matches/butane lighter/magnesium fire starter
- Flares
- Fire extinguisher
- Reading and writing materials, games or puzzles
- Poncho or other raingear
- Rope, bungee cords
- Cash (small bills and coins)
- Razor/comb/brush
- Chemical hand and body warmer packs
- Sunscreen, insect repellent
- Sewing kit/safety pins
- Portable toilet
- Food utensils
- Potassium iodide tablets (nuclear emergency)
- Whistle, signal mirror
- Extra pair of gloves
- Sunglasses
- Trash bags
- Hammer, nails, staple gun
- Leather work gloves, shovel
- Disposable camera
Please use this series of articles to help you determine how to best prepare your family for the disasters you are most likely to face. Then purchase or put together a survival kit that addresses those needs. Remember, emergencies can and do happen when you least expect them. Make sure you and your family will be safe no matter the circumstances. Good luck!
Additional Resources
A sampling of additional emergency preparedness sites:
- Ready.gov – official U.S. government website
- 72hours.org – run by the city of San Francisco containing great information for earthquake preparation.
- Nationalterroralert.com – official U.S. government website