72-Hour Emergency Kit
Japanese girl being rescued after the 311 destruction
After Japan’s earthquake and tsunami I have come to realize that we must be ready of whatever calamities might come. For many years we have been taught in our church the necessity of preparing an emergency kit. It was a counsel that has been taken lightly by most of us until this calamity strikes of which enlightens our minds the urgency to provide preparations for our families.
May I share with you the 72-hour kit that we should prepare.
In times of natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, or earthquakes, the family may need to survive in a situation where food, safe water and other necessities can not be purchased or easily obtained.
It is only prudent that we follow the admonition of the scriptures that tell us “if you are prepared you shall not fear”… This preparation includes a 72-Hour Emergency Survival Kit. These kits are designed to supply a minimum amount of food, safe water and other supplies for survival purposes. The first 72 hours is critical for survival. After 72 hours, chances for survival increases. Services will begin to be restored by this time.
It is suggested that you store the type of foods that require a minimum of preparation, cooking, and no refrigeration. There should be one 72-Hour Kit for each member of the family. A backpack or similar type bag is the easiest to carry, and leaves the hands free, if required to walk some distance to safety. Although a large plastic bag may serve this purpose. The following suggestion is for one adult and will help you in preparing your 72-Hour Kit:
Food: 3 pkgs. Milo 6 cans sardines or other canned or dried meat 6 pkg. Crackers
6 pkgs. Noodles, Instant Oatmeal or soup Small pkg. milk (Optional)
6 Cups Rice 3 pkgs. Dried or canned fruit
4 liters potable water Salt/spices as desired 1 Cup Sugar (Optional)
{Any medicines required daily by family members–Important documents-birth certificates, deeds,etc.
{Hygiene items: tooth brush, tooth paste, soap, washcloth, small towel, female needs
{Paper and pen to leave messages-needed clothing-small games for children- blankets
{Small First-Aid Kit – Alcohol and bandages, anti-biotic ointment-anti-diarrhea -1 kit per family
{Light source-flashlight and batteries-candles and matches
{Small battery radio for emergency information-per family–emergency money-banks will be closed
{Sheet of heavy plastic or tarp for shelter -cooking pots, can opener-1 per family
*All of the above items need to be stored and carried in waterproof and pest-proof containers.
* Perishable items should be checked and replaced as often as is needed, preferably every 6 months, to maintain a safe supply of food and water.
Rice: To store properly there should be little or no oxygen in the containers. Either fill plastic bottles to the top and tightly screw on lids or partially fill thick plastic bags, squeeze the air out and tie a knot in the bag or tape the top.
Noodles, crackers, Milo, etc: Place store-wrapped packages in plastic bags, squeeze out the air, and tie top of bag in a knot.
Fuel: Plan a way to cook the rice and boil water, etc. in an emergency. Handle cooking containers with caution not to burn hands while removing from the fire.
Plan: As a family, decide on a plan to use in case of emergency. A place to meet, phone numbers to call, family or friends to contact if you cannot reach home-Call-For-Help Cards. Nothing is more disturbing than not knowing where family members are in times of disaster or crisis. Store 72-Hour Kits where they can be easily accessed upon leaving the home.
