How to Prepare a 72-Hour Kit Checklist for Emergencies

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are counseled to have a food storage and be prepared for an emergency which includes having a 72-hour kit. This kit should be put together in a practical manner so that you can carry it with you if you ever need to evacuate your home. It is also important to prepare one for each member of your family who is able to carry one.

Below is a list of items to store in a 72-hour kit to help you be prepared in the case of an emergency. You can also learn how to make a first aid kit to put into your 72-hour kit.

Directions: Print the list below and check off each item that has been put into your 72-hour kit.

Checklist: 72-Hour Kit (pdf)

Food and Water

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

• 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 most convenient)
• Canned juice
• Candy/gum (warning: Jolly Ranchers can melt and using mint gum might make everything taste like mint.)
• Water (1 gallon/4 liters per person)

Bedding and Clothing

• Change of clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
• Undergarments
• Raincoat/poncho
• Blankets and emergency heat blankets (that keep in warmth)
• Cloth sheet
• Plastic sheet

Fuel and Light

• Battery lighting (flashlights, lamps, etc.)
• Extra batteries
• Flares
• Candles
• Lighter
• Waterproof matches

Equipment

• Can opener
• Dishes/utensils
• Shovel
• Radio (with batteries!)
• Pen and paper
• Ax
• Pocket knife
• Rope
• Duct tape

Personal 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 (at least 3 days' worth)

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 backpacks). Make sure you can easily lift/carry it.
• Infant needs (if applicable)

Notes:

1. 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.
2. Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
3. Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
4. You can include any other items in your 72-Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
5. 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.