If COVID taught us anything, it definitely taught us to prepare better. Preparing for emergencies is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your household.
At Prep2Survive.com, we believe in being ready for any situation. This comprehensive guide will help you gather the essential items needed for a 72-hour survival kit. This is a great placet to start.
We have categorized these items into Emergency Food, Medical Supplies, Water Safety, Solar and Battery Powered Items, Survival Items, Bug Out Bag, Pets, and Shelter & Clothing.
Grab your FREE GUIDE & CHECKLIST here
Emergency Food
When disaster strikes, having enough emergency food ensures your family stays nourished and energized. Imagine not having to worry about food when everything else is chaotic.
1. Non-perishable Food: Stock up on canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, and other non-perishable items. Ensure you have enough to last each household member for 72 hours.
2. MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat): These are perfect for emergencies as they require no cooking and have a long shelf life.
3. High-calorie Snacks: Include energy bars and high-calorie snacks to keep up energy levels.
4. Special Dietary Needs: Don’t forget to include items that cater to any specific dietary needs or restrictions.
Medical Supplies
In an emergency, access to medical supplies can make all the difference. Whether it’s treating minor injuries or managing health conditions, being prepared means you can handle unexpected medical issues with confidence.
1. First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, and pain relievers.
2. Prescription Medications: Ensure you have a three-day supply of any necessary prescription medications.
3. Over-the-Counter Medications: Include medications for common ailments such as allergies, headaches, and digestive issues.
4. Personal Hygiene Items: Sanitary products, hand sanitizers, wet wipes, and gloves.
Water Safety
Clean water is a must for survival. Ensuring your water is safe prevents dehydration and waterborne illnesses, giving you one less thing to worry about in a crisis.
1. Bottled Water: Have at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
2. Water Purification Tablets: These can be used to make contaminated water safe to drink.
3. Water Filters: Portable water filters are essential for ensuring you have access to clean water.
4. Collapsible Water Containers: Easy to store and useful for carrying water.
Solar and Battery Powered
Having reliable power sources can be a lifesaver when the main power grid is down. Solar and battery-powered items ensure that your essential devices keep working, no matter what.
1. Solar Chargers: Use solar chargers to keep your devices powered up.
2. Battery-Powered Flashlights: Ensure you have reliable flashlights with extra batteries.
3. Portable Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated with emergency broadcasts.
4. Power Banks: Keep several fully charged power banks for your electronic devices.
Survival Items
Survival items are your tools for navigating through tough times. From fire starters to multi-tools, these items help you tackle challenges and keep your family safe and self-sufficient.
1. Multi-Tool: A multi-tool with a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, and other essential tools.
2. Fire Starters: Waterproof matches, lighters, and fire starters.
3. Duct Tape: Useful for a variety of emergency repairs.
4. Whistle: For signaling for help.
5. Maps and Compass: In case you need to navigate without electronic devices.
6. Emergency Blanket: Lightweight and compact, provides warmth in an emergency.
Bug Out Bag
A well-prepared bug out bag is your go-to for quick evacuations. Knowing you have everything you need in one place can make a stressful situation a bit more manageable.
1. Backpack: A sturdy, comfortable backpack to carry all your essential items.
2. Personal Documents: Copies of important documents such as IDs, insurance policies, and emergency contacts.
3. Cash: Keep small denominations in case ATMs and credit card machines are down.
4. Change of Clothing: Include a change of clothing and sturdy shoes.
Pets
Our pets are family too, and including them in your emergency plan ensures their safety and well-being. They rely on us, especially during a crisis.
1. Pet Food: Ensure you have enough pet food for 72 hours.
2. Water: Additional water for your pets.
3. Leashes and Carrier*: Make sure you have a leash or carrier for each pet.
4. Medical Supplies: Include any medications or medical supplies your pets may need.
5. Comfort Items: Include a blanket or toy to help keep your pets calm.
Shelter & Clothing
Proper shelter and clothing protect your family from the elements. Ensuring you have what you need means you can focus on keeping everyone safe and comfortable in any situation.
1. Tent: A portable tent for emergency shelter.
2. Sleeping Bags: Warm sleeping bags or blankets.
3. Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Pack clothing suitable for the season and weather conditions.
4. Rain Gear: Include ponchos or rain jackets to stay dry.
5. Warm Hats and Gloves: Necessary for cold weather.
Preparing for the unexpected is an essential step to ensuring the safety and well-being of your household. By following this 72-hour survival preparedness guide from Prep2Survive.com, you can be confident that you have the necessary items to weather any emergency.
Start gathering these supplies today, and stay safe and prepared for whatever comes your way.