1. Prepare for unexpected natural, medical and terrorism disasters.
2. Ensure our family is safe at home, school, at work, and on the road.
3. Have a financial cushion stashed away.
The government has advised us to be prepared with food, water and other supplies to care for our family’s needs for a minimum of 72 hours, and up to 3 months in the case of a pandemic. The job market is becoming more and more competitive and requiring more skills and education all the time. Job loss, a house fire, burglaries, power outages, unexpected household repairs, and illness can affect all of us. We will prepare with all of this is mind.
Our first seven steps:
1. Make a list of replacements for items that use electricity. Get out a binder and note paper. Fold a piece of paper in half length wise. At the top of the left column write Uses Electricity, at the top of the right column write Replacements. Now write in all the items in your home that you listed as needing electricity (skip a line between each item -you will need the room).
Across from each item list what you will need to replace that service. My list includes: lights, refrigerator, freezer, oven, stove, washer, dryer, shower, furnace, air conditioner, radio, TV, telephone, clock, and can opener. I didn’t list things like a hair dryer because I can live without that. We have a well so when that goes out we are also without water, including for the shower. If you have a gas range but it has an electric ignition so it won’t light without matches. So across from stove write matches. Across from lights I wrote: glow sticks, flashlights, candles, and outdoor lighting (You know those solar landscape lights? You can bring those in at night and recharge them during the day.) Anything I forgot? Share your list with us.
2. Get a quart canning jar or other container and beginning today to empty your change in to the jar each night. This would be fun to do at dinner to help your family understand the concept of saving. You’ll be surprised, your children will want to join in too. It is amazing how quickly this will grow and trust me, you will not miss it. You can save from $10.00 to $40.00 in a month.
3. Purchase or collect the items you will need to replace the loss of lighting and news access during a power outage. Make sure you have batteries if you are relying on flashlights for lighting needs, or portable radios, or your lap top to stay in touch. Store your batteries with your flashlights etc. but not in them. I like glow sticks because they are inexpensive, don’t need batteries, will provide light all night long without the dangers of a candle, and they can be worn by children to keep them safe as they wander around the house. We recently had a power outage and it was very comforting to have these lights to help us all feel comforted as we walked through the house.
4. Go through your medications and discard any that are past the expiration date. Make a list of items you need to replace and post it next to your shopping list, watch the ads and purchase the items as they go on sale.
5. Place a light source next to every bed. If there were an earthquake or power outage during the night a flashlight or glow stick would help to keep your family safe. Since young children would be tempted to play with these items place these in the rooms of older, more responsible children.
6. Get a permanent marker and mark all the canned fruits and veggies you have in your cupboard with a X. Make a master list of what you have on hand.
7. Print off the list of items to include in every good 72 hour kit (see below) and add it to your binder.
I have not forgotten that I asked you to date all your opened containers of items you purchase only occasionally. Label a page in your binder Items purchased Infrequently. List items and as you use them up and need to replace them note the date on the item and how long it took to empty it. Write this on your list. Now you can gauge how many of that item you will need in your three month food storage. If it took 1 week to use a tube of toothpaste you will need 12 tubes for a 3 month supply.
Now, go get started. Check in and let us know how you are doing. We want to hear all of your success stories and even your frustrations so we can support and learn from each other!
*72 Hour Kit Checklist*
(click on link for more info)
Want to know what should be included in every great 72 hour kit?
Every member of the family will need a kit with the following items:
Great Backpack
Water
Disposable plates, cups and utensils
Can opener
Multi function Tool
Flash light with extra batteries
Glow sticks
Extra Keys
Simple first aid kit
Whistle
Dust mask
Moist towelettes
Large plastic garbage bag Can be used for shelter or as rain gear
Biohazard bag for sanitation
1 pair long pants
3 pair socks
2 t shirts
1 long sleeve shirt
3 changes underwear
Hat
Work gloves
Identification card should include:
parents name- if a child
home address
parent’s or spouse's cell phone numbers
close family member’s or neighbor’s cell phone number
name and address and phone number for contact person
name and address and phone numbers of physician, dentist, optometrist and pharmacist
name and phone number for clergy
medical conditions
allergies
medications currently being taken
Photos
Emergency Blanket
Rain Poncho
Body Warmer
Baby needs such as:
diapers
wipes
toys
clothing
medications
formula
bottles
spoon
food dish
diaper cream
Needs of pets
food
food and water dishes,
medications
leash
medical records
cage
toy or blanket
Stress Relief
Note Pad and Pencil
Cash
Local Maps
Evacuation Maps
Religious Materials
Phone Numbers
Phone Card
Safety Pins
Over the Counter Medications
Prescription Medications
Prescription Glasses or Magnifiers
Contact lenses and supplies
Sun Glasses
Sewing Kit
Sun Screen
Boy Scout Field Book
Important Documents
Hygiene Supplies
tooth brush
tooth paste
deodorant
shampoo
soap
comb and/or brush
hair bands or clips
feminine hygiene supplies
shaving cream
razor
toilet paper
wet wipes
hand towel
feminine hygiene products
medical gloves
tissues
hand sanitizer
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