72-Hour Kits

By Mindy Longhurst

When emergency events occur like the recent flooding in Ellicott, Maryland, it can force people out of their homes. A 72-hour kit has tools and food/water enough for the first 72-hour period after a disaster has occurred. A 72-hour kit can save your life. You should have at least the following in a 72-hour kit:

• Water- about one gallon of water a day per person
• Food- have at least three days’ worth of food per person
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Duct tape
• Medication                                                                                    
• Financial reserve- extra cash
• Ways to communicate with family
• Important documents
• Clothing
• Bedding
• Writing tools and paper
• Local maps
• Extra contacts or glasses
• Whistle
• First aid kit
• Shoes
• Medical masks- in case the air is polluted
• Trash bags
• Toiletry items
• Matches
• Battery powered or hand crank radio

For more information, please visit https://www.lds.org/topics/emergency-preparedness?lang=eng#media and http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies