- The weekend that we set our clocks for daylight savings time is a great time to check your 72 hour kits, car kits, and smoke detector baterries. If you did not do it then – DO IT NOW! Change your batteries in your flashlight in your 72 hour kits and your smoke detectors every time whether you think they are fine or not. You’re better off safe than sorry.
- You should have a ziplock bag with a change of clothing (at least a fresh work shirt or T-shirt and change of undies and 3 pair of socks. Check the sizes in your kids packs to make sure they have what they need. Keeping feet and privates clean and dry during these situations is very important for your health.
- Speaking of dry feet - store a pair of good sneakers for each family member near your kits. The coat closet in the hall is a great place so that you can grab everything as you go out the door.
- Check your food for expiration dates. Change out any food that will expire before the next daylight savings time. Below is a list of handy foods that can easily be stored a 2 gallon ziplock within your 72 hour kits. You should be able to fill your kit with variety, decent nutrition and caloric intake for around $10 per person. Remember to pack as light as you can. Canned foods are good – but weigh down a pack. They also require and opener. Your pack should be easily portable.
- Place a laminated photo of each family member on a lanyard and attach it to their 72-hour kit. Write all pertinent information on the back of the photo including the name of the person, cell numbers for the parents or spouse, allergies to drugs, ect. In the event of an emergency – each family member should remove the lanyard from the pack and wear it around their neck. That way- if you are separated from your children – they can be identified and you can be more easily located. You and your medical issues can also be identified with this information if you are found unconscious.
72 Hour Kit Foods List
Breakfast Items: pop-tarts, carnation instant breakfast bars or slim-fast bars; tang, apple cider or cocoa packets;
Lunch & Dinner Items: canned tuna, Vienna sausages, chicken or deviled ham; jerky and cheese sticks; canned chili, raviolis, or soups; freeze-dried veggies; individual cans of tomato or V-8 juice, Capri sun drink pouches
Snacks: gum, hard candy, peanuts, granola, cracker packs, fruit leather, apple sauce, pudding cups & fruit cups
WATER: You should have at least a 2 one liter water bottles for everyone stored right next to your packs or in pockets on your packs in case you have to evacuate.
Don’t forget to put plastic spoons & forks, napkins and individually packaged wet wipes, small bottle hand sanitizer, toothbrush and trial sized toothpaste in each pack. I put these items into a small Rubbermaid sandwich box container with lid so that I have the container to eat from if needed.
Car Safety checklist
cell phone and charger
kitty litter for traction or to clean up oil leaks
small can of lock antifreeze
small basic first aid kit
rope or twine to tie down trunk
umbrella and rain poncho
wipes & sanitizer to clean hands
roll of paper towels for spills
plastic trash bags in case of wet clothing
flares, triangles and safety matches
jumper cables and flashlight
thermal blanket (s)
small hand shovel
packs of dried fruit, granola bars, or nuts
spare tire and work gloves
tow chain or strap
pen, paper, and emergency contact numbers
at least $20 CASH (you just never know)
Organize smaller items into a duffle and keep secured under or behind your seat, in a closed compartment or in a trunk. In the event of an accident – you don’t want loose abjects flying around to hit you in the head.
