Provident Living--72 hour kits

Howdy Gals! I haven't done a Provident Living post in a while, and I've been remiss. Last night we had a big storm blow through, and we lost power for almost 2 hours. My poor girls were in the shower/tub, and everything going dark is NOT fun at that time! Sad to say, we were scrambling to find our flashlights and matches and candles. We discovered that we had about zero batteries for our 4+ flashlights (thinking we were so prepared). Luckily we had 2 small flashlights that you pump the handle and don't need batteries, and one lantern in our 72 hours kits that works the same way. Without those, we would have been stumbling about, and I'm not super comfortable giving my kids candles to walk around with.
So, I decided to share with you some info on do-it-yourself 72 hour kits. At the beginning of each new year, we try to go through our current 72 kits and update food/medicine/clothing/water and whatever else needs it. It gives me a lot of peace of mind to know they are accessible, current, and most of all, just THERE! After learning we had 2 minor earthquakes in our area over the weekend, I once again felt that comfort of knowing, should something happen (since we live along a major fault line), at least we'd have the basics.

We keep a backpack for each person in our family, kept in the bottom of a hall closet for easy access. Here's a basic basic list of things to gather for each of your family members: (You can always add more or less depending on your family's needs, and every list I'd review would just overwhelm me at first. Just do what you feel is most important and overall, what you can tote around, should the need arise). (This info is from the following site: http://youremergencyplan.com/72-hour-kits-for-the-home/

72 Hour Kit Basics

72 hour kits can be purchased or you can put them together yourself. Store them in a cool dry place like a cupboard or closet. Check it every 6 months to make sure nothing is damaged or has expired. If you use something from your kit, replace it immediately. You can store the water along with your kits. This is the MINIMUM you should have on hand in your 72 Hour Kits for your home.

FOOD & WATER

Water-At least 1 gallon per person per day (there are travel size water packs you can purchase for your backpacks.
Canned Foods – Soups, stews, chili, ravioli, spaghetti – figure one can per adult per meal. Great ones don't need added water and pop-tops are a bonus.
Proteins – Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken
Snacks – Crackers, cold cereals, trail mix, granola bars, beef jerky
Instant Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat – individual packages
Juices and/or Crystal Lite-for those non water drinkers
Fruit snacks/hard candy/chewing gum are good to add.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Small Folding stove –Ex: Coghlan Flat Fold Stove, or a single burner camp stove that uses propane.
Fuel for Stove
Small pot for stove (1 qt)
Manual Can Opener
Prescription Medications – Keep at least three days worth of prescription medications. Well labeled and in original containers. Rotate your meds when you refill your prescription. ALWAYS KEEP MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
Utensils – Keep sturdy paper plates, bowls, cups and silverware on hand.
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer--will lessen amount of water needed for washing up.
If you have children you may want to have some board games, card games, puzzles or coloring books, books for yourself.
LED Flashlight- This is what SAVED us during our power outage!
Emergency candles and matches
Battery Operated Radio or self crank radios.
Emergency blankets and tent(s)
Towels of various sizes if you can fit it in.
Cash -$20 in small bills and a roll of quarters or lots of spare change. Remember if there is no power, the ATM’s won’t work. Some markets may be open on a cash only basis. Some payphones may be operable. A pre-paid calling card is also a good idea.
First Aid Kit- Make sure to include age-applicable medicines and burn, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Fire Extinguisher- If not easily added to your kit, keep one in your home.
Change of clothes for each person (keep in mind weather may be cold if you have to go outdoors).
A list and copy of all important legal documents, pictures of each family member, and list of phone #'s and addresses of those you may need to contact in the event of an emergency.


Above all: personalize your 72-Hour kits to meet the needs of YOUR family. If you have pets, add pet food. If you have a baby, add diapers, baby food, formula or whatever you think you will need.

If you lose power for more than a few hours, eat your perishables from the refrigerator before you open canned food. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible to keep cold air in. If you are doubtful about a food's safety, DON'T EAT IT!

If you lose power in the winter and you have only electric heat, bundle up to maintain your body temperatures. Close all windows and doors to keep heat in. Block off all drafts using duct tape or blankets.  DO NOT LIGHT A BBQ OR OUTDOOR HEATER INSIDE. This can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you lose power during the summer, close all windows, curtains and doors during the day to help keep the inside cool. While maintaining your personal security, open windows and doors at night to allow cooler air inside.

If you are on city water, and you lose power and still have water pressure, fill up a bathtub with water- for flushing toilets.
If money is tight you don’t have to do this all in one shopping trip. Make a list and pick up a can or two of something every time you go to the store. Keep an eye on the sales, and you'll have it finished before you know it!

A great resource for further preparing your home and family for emergencies is: http://providentliving.org/content/list/0,11664,8034-1,00.html

I hope this information is of a benefit to you! Like I said earlier, I cannot express the peace of mind having these in my home has given me as a mother--I hope it does the same for you!