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Tuesday Time to Tackle: 72-Hour Emergency Kits

Apparently last month was National Preparedness Month, but don't let the date on the calendar stop you from getting prepared for an emergency.  Getting prepared in October is better than waiting until next September, when the next National Preparedness Month rolls around.

Wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, or other natural disasters could require you to leave your home.  If you have a 72-hour kit ready, you will eliminate some of the panic you might otherwise feel in such a situation.  You will be able to grab the kit and go, knowing that you have the basic supplies you need to sustain yourself through 3 days.

I made 72-hour kits years ago, but for family home evening last night, we looked through our kits, replaced some items and added others.  For example, some of the over-the-counter medication was well past its expiration date. 

What should you have in an emergency kit?  A quick online search provides many suggestions, but basically you'll want clothing, food, and first aid supplies.  Put everything in an easy-to-carry bag, such as a backpack. 


It all fits!


I have plans to add in a few more items--the clothing, for example--but I'm feeling better now that I've reacquainted myself with what we have ready-to-go.  We keep the kits near our supply of gallon bottles of water.  If we ever need to evacuate, we'll grab some water at the same time we take our kits. 

Are you prepared for an emergency?  What tips do you have on emergency preparedness?

Thanks for the peace that comes with being prepared.


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Comments

  1. DebbieOctober 2, 2012 at 8:05 AM

    Ours are basically filled with the same items as yours, however my father-in-law who lives with us needs oxygen 24/7 and I have been looking into purchasing a portable concentrator so I don't have to worry about hauling oxygen tanks. I didn't realize last month was preparedness month! Thanks for this post as I should go through ours as well and re-fresh it...especially the medications!

    ReplyDelete
  2. NancyOctober 2, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    Thanks for the reminder. I haven't checked my bag for over a year. It's time to pull it out of the closet.

    ReplyDelete
  3. CeLynnOctober 7, 2012 at 6:20 PM

    Great post! If you live in an area where sever winter weather are not a question of if,but when,an emergency kit for the car is a must! Mostly the same items apply,but you would also want to keep several warm blankets with the kit.

    ReplyDelete

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