1.  Food and Water (A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available).

Some Suggestions:

Protein/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 are ideal)

Canned Juice

Candy/Gum

Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters Per Person)

2. Bedding and Clothing.

A 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 Sheet

3. Fuel and Light.

Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps, etc.) Don't forget batteries!

Extra Batteries

Flares

Candles

Lighter

Water-Proof Matches

4. Equipment.

Can Opener

Dishes/Utensils

Shovel

Radio (with batteries!)

Pen and Paper

Axe

Pocket Knife

Rope

Compass

Local Area Maps

5. Personal Supplies and Medication.

First Aid 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.)

Immunizations Up-to Date

Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)

Prescription Medication (for 3 days)

6. Personal Documents and Money (Place these items in a water-proof container!).

Copies of Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc)

Vaccination Papers

Insurance Policies

Cash

Credit Card

Pre-Paid Phone Cards

List of meeting points for each person in case family members are separated

List for each person of at least 3 out-of-area contacts (Phone numbers & addresses)

7. 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)

Pet Needs (if applicable)

Small easily portable tents, tarps or plastic sheeting and duct tape to construct shelter.

Garbage bags and ties for sanitation

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.

It is important to have your 72 Hour Kits packed and ready to go.  In the event that you needed to evacuate your home and use these kits, it is unlikely you will have the time to search all over your house for these items and pack them.

FAMILY EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS

Have maps ready for the following:

• Main and Alternative routes for leaving the city in North, South, East and West directions.

• Meeting spots outside the affected areas.

For example: I live approximately 50 miles east of a nuclear power plant. Should there be an accident or an attack and the wind is blowing in an Easterly direction, our plan is to head north and meet up in a town approximately 60 miles north of my home. (comment by the original author)

• During an emergency local phone service may be limited, so you should arrange with someone outside your area to be your family contact.

• Your contact person should have voice mail or an answering machine.

• Ensure that every family member knows that they should listen to the radio or TV for telephone use instructions, then phone your out-of-area contact person to say how and where they are and what their plans are.

• Keep calls short, and if possible, arrange to call the contact person back at a specified time for another check-in.

Choosing A Place to Meet:

• At the time of an emergency, your family may not be together. It is important to choose family meeting places.

• Remember that bridges may be out and roads may be blocked by debris, so choose your meeting places carefully with access in mind.

• Pick places that are easy to identify, that can be reached on foot if necessary, and that are in an accessible, open area.

• Take into account where each of you will likely be at different times and on different days.

Be sure that each family member has a copy of the evacuation plan, maps and telephone numbers. You should also allow for an evacuation scenario, while at work.

Keep your evacuation plans in a safe location with your "Go Pack" (a.k.a. 72 Hour Kit).