Week 3: Get a pen!

This week is easy. All that's on the list this week is to label each of the kits, and create a list of what your family would need over a 24-hour period in an emergency.

A quick and easy way to label the kits would be to use Duck tape, and wrap it around the handle of the kit. On the part that extends, you can write the kit owner's name in sharpie. Done!

The next part might take some time and thought, but it's worth it!

Make a list of all the things your family will need in a 24-hour timespan, kind of like you're packing to go camping.

For example, for our family, this list includes:

Breakfast for two adults and one toddler

Lunch for two adults and one toddler

Dinner for two adults and one toddler

Water

Formula

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Toilet Paper

Soap

Hairbrush

Shampoo (for an emergency, dry shampoo and/or baby powder.)

Blankets

Pacifiers

etc. etc. etc.

Step Two: Waterproof.

Remember the containers you found last week? It's time to make sure that the contents of your kit won't be waterlogged when you need it most.

The easiest way to do this is to use a waterproof container.

I, personally, won't be using a waterproof container. We don't have the means for that right now. So, in lieu of that, the contents of our 72 hour kit will be packed in two suitcases with garbage bags inside. The contents of the garbage bags will be placed in various-sized ziploc bags.

This is the cheapest method.

If you're not interested in using plastic, something like this may appeal to you.

How do you plan on waterproofing your 72 hour kit?

(Photos to come!)

Step One: Prepare your container.

Are you ready for this? The first (and easiest) step to preparing your 72-hour kit is to find something to store it in. Each member of your family should have their own personal kit. If you have children who won't be able to carry their own kits, you'll prepare their kits within your own.

This container should be:

1. Grab and go. If you are able to evacuate by car, then you could carry lots with you, but if you are on foot, you may want something a bit more portable.

2. Can handle various weather conditions.

3. As waterproof as possible.

4. Size-appropriate for the carrier. (A smaller kit for a child, for example.)

Backpacks, luggage, and duffel bags are all good choices. Some people also choose to use a garbage can on wheels. Personally, I think that might be too difficult to maneuver around debris and into a car.

Keep in mind, whatever container you use should be as sturdy as possible. If you can't afford to go out and buy something new and super-strong, then please don't! We'll start out using an old set of luggage that we don't use anymore, and eventually upgrade. Things inside will be packed in labeled ziplock bags and garbage bags to keep them dry.

Child-sized backpacks are a great option for those who don't feel strong enough to carry much at once, and for children.

It's recommended that each person carry $50 in their kit in case of emergency. If you save $3/person each week from now (the first week of March) until the end of June, you'll have $50 for each of their kits. That's 17 weeks.

Whew! That's it for week one. If you want to start planning ahead, now would be a great time to start looking for a battery-powered radio.

Bonus:

When you go to the grocery store this week, pick up 3 cans of whatever is on sale. You'll have a 3 month supply of food in no time!

Why a 72-hour kit?

In a disaster, it may take up to three days for help to reach you. Could you make it for three days with no resources after a major disaster? I know I couldn't.

When people start talking about 72 hour kits, I start to have a little bit of a panic attack. My heart starts pounding, my palms get a little sweaty, and I close my eyes and pretend that nothing bad could ever happen anywhere close to where I live.

Somehow I forgot that we were without power for 2 weeks after hurricane a few years ago. In Ohio.

So. If you panic about preparedness like I do, then hold on tight, because over the next 4 months, we'll put together a complete 72-hour kit for each member of your family in an hour or less per week.