Video:How to Make a 72 Hour Kit

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Transcript:How to Make a 72 Hour Kit

Hi I'm Matt Ediger for About.com and this is your 72 hour survival kit.

What Is a 72 Hour Kit?

Natural disasters are a reality that can occur almost anywhere, leaving you without electricity, running water, and sometimes without shelter. Being prepared is the best thing you can do to maximize your chances of survival.

What to Include in a 72 Hour Kit

Your survival kit should include the following:

• FoodProtein/Granola Bars
• Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
• Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
• Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc ("pop-top" cans that open without a can-opener might not be a good idea, read this warning from one site visitor.)
• Canned Juice
• Candy/Gum (warning: Jolly Ranchers can melt and using mint gum might make everything taste like mint. See the comments from the blog post, 72 Hour Kit Warning, comment #11)
• Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters Per Person)Bedding and Clothing
• Change of Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
• Undergarments
• Rain Coat/Poncho
• Blankets and Emergency Heat Blanks (that keep in warmth)
• Cloth Sheet
• Plastic SheetFuel and Light
• Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps, etc.) Don't forget batteries!
• Extra Batteries
• Flares
• Candles
• Lighter
• Water-Proof MatchesEquipment
• Can Opener
• Dishes/Utensils
• Shovel
• Radio (with batteries!)
• Pen and Paper
• Axe
• Pocket Knife
• Rope
• Duct TapePersonal Supplies and Medication
• First Aid Kit and Supplies
• Toiletries (roll of toilet paper- remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc.)
• Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Warning: Scented soap might "flavor" food items.)
• Immunizations Up-to Date
• Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)
• Prescription Medication (for 3 days)Personal Documents and Money(Place these items in a water-proof container!)
• Scriptures
• Genealogy Records
• Patriarchal Blessing
• Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc)
• Vaccination Papers
• Insurance Policies
• Cash
• Credit Card
• Pre-Paid Phone Cards
• Miscellaneous Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!
• Infant Needs (if applicable)

Notes: Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged.

• Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
• Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
• You can include any other items in your 72 Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
• Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, "flavor" other items, or break open. Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.All this should fit into a space about the size of your average garbage can and can be stored just about anywhere.

Thank you for watching if you would like to learn more please visit us on the web at About.com