72 Hour Kits

What to do on another rainy day, but prepare...

Since the food in our 72 hour kits are a few years old now (you know me and old food). I thought I should redo them today (or start on them at least).

**disclaimer - I in know way know what I am doing. I just try to do the best I can with the information I have been given. Any tips, helpful knowledge or advice is GREATLY appreciated.



PART I - The Food

We made these quick and easy food kits in an enrichment activity a few years ago. All of the food for 3 days fits into a gallon zip-lock bag (if you use larger items like ramen and juice boxes you may need to use a 2 gallon bag).


Here is what you will need to make one like mine:


3 - packs of instant oatmeal, variety of flavors
3 - packets of hot chocolate
3 - granola bars, variety of flavors or small packs of crackers
3 - beef jerky sticks
3 - apple cider packets or small juice boxes
3 - packs of soup mix (Lipton chicken noodle) or ramen
3 - small cans/packages of fruit (1 fruit cocktail and 2 cans peaches OR 3 fruit snacks)
12-pieces of small hard candy (6 tootsie rolls, 3 dum-dums, 3 smarties)
1 - small pack of gum wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent smell from spreading to other foods
1 - plastic spoon


Meal Planner
(It is VERY important you print this out and put it in with the food so you can make it last 3 days)

DAY ONE
BREAKFAST 1 oatmeal & 1 hot cocoa
LUNCH 1 granola bar/cracker, 1 beef jerky, 1 cider/juice
DINNER 1 soup, 1 fruit
SNACK 4 pieces of candy


DAY TWO
BREAKFAST 1 oatmeal & 1 hot cocoa
LUNCH 1 soup, 1 fruit
DINNER 1 granola bar/cracker, 1 beef jerky, 1 cider/juice
SNACK 4 pieces of candy


DAY THREE
BREAKFAST 1 oatmeal & 1 hot cocoa
LUNCH 1 granola bar/cracker, 1 beef jerky, 1 cider/juice
DINNER 1 soup, 1 fruit
SNACK 4 pieces of candy


The food in these kits needs to be rotated every year, so pick a date and make sure to rotate! You also may want to make some variations, based on taste and your kids ages.



PART II - Hygiene


Here is an idea I found on what to have in your Personal Hygiene Kit - (I have never done this part, so suggestions would be appreciated)

In a gallon size Ziploc bag, put the following items:

1 full tube of toothpaste,
1 packaged toothbrush
2 washcloths (1 for personal use and 1 for dishes)
1 bar of soap
1 pack of wet wipes
1 small bottle of anti-bacterial gel
1 chapstick with sunscreen
1 comb
feminine products and baby items
prescription medications



PART III - Everything Else


I also found this information online and have not compiled it yet. It sounds overwhelming and expensive - any thoughts, tips or ideas?


BIG backpack to hold everything
¨ mini set of scriptures
¨ compass and map of local area
¨ change of clothing in Ziploc bag and pair of sturdy shoes
¨ 72-Hour Food and Water Supply & Hygiene Kit
¨ water sanitation tablets
¨ solar/hand crank radio with flashlight & extra batteries
(test it every 6 months and replace batteries as needed)
¨ whistle
¨ 100-hour emergency candle
¨ 12-hour light stick or flashlight with extra batteries (need 2 sources of light)
¨ multifunction pliers/pocket knife w/ can opener for food
¨ mess kit: plate, utensils, and cup
¨ wool blend blanket
¨ emergency sleeping bag
¨ (3) 20-hour hand and body warmers
¨ poncho with hood
¨ tube tent
¨ waterproof matches
¨ fire starters (need 2 sources of fire)
¨ tri-fold shovel
¨ nylon utility cord
¨ leather gloves
¨ duct tape
¨ memo pad and marking pens
¨ mini-sewing kit
¨ toilet paper
¨ first-aid kit
¨ basic first-aid & CPR booklet
¨ sunscreen w/ insect repellent
¨ flat-fold stove & Sterno can fuel
¨ several large trash bags for various uses
¨ important papers in Ziploc bag: financial documents, photos of family members, driver’s