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Survival Life’s Comprehensive Checklist For 72 Hour Survival Kit

Checklist For Your 72 Hour Survival Kit

Earthquake, hurricane, flood or another terrorist attack are perilous circumstances that we might not prevent from happening but we can always do something to survive its threatening consequences. Every time I’m engaged in a conversation about survival, the old adage “It’s better safe than sorry” flashes in my mind like a mighty lightning. Constantly reminding me that despair is the prize of an ill-prepared individual. So on that note, check out this comprehensive checklist for 72 hour survival kit. You can also personalize your kit to make it more suitable to your needs. Read. Learn. Survive.

Food and water

Being safe also means taking good care of our health. In an event of a disaster where grocery and convenient stores are closed, it would always be advantageous to have food and water in our 72 hour survival kit. When SHTF and blows indiscriminately, you will be needing all the energy you muster just to get by. Here’s a list of some of the food that you can include in your kit:

• canned meat, fish, and beans (“pop-top” cans that open without a can-opener is a sound idea)
• canned juice
• trail mix or dried fruit
• crackers and cereals
• protein or granola bars
• water (3 gallons per person)

Bedding and clothing

Every kit should have a complete outfit of suitable clothing for every family member. Never disregard the benefits of having some protective clothing in your kit especially in the midst of a severe weather condition. Include these items below in your kit:

• Wool-blended blanket and Emergency heat and reflective blanket
• Sleeping bag and sleeping pads
• Extra Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
• Undergarments
• Rain coat or poncho

Personal supplies and medication

Having a first aid kit in your pack should not be an option rather it is a must. In an emergency situation and someone is wounded, administering first aid can reduce the severity of the injury and the risk of infection. Non-prescription medication should also be included to treat fever and body aches. And of course, we shouldn’t neglect the importance of hygiene and sanitation when we’re talking about survival for sickness and disease will exceedingly lower your chances of getting out alive and well out of a perilous circumstance. Don’t forget to include the items below in your survival kit:

• First aid kit and supplies (ointments, gauze pads, assortment of bandages, cold/hot packs, scissors, and tweezers)
• Toiletries (toilet papers, moist towelettes or baby wipes, feminine hygiene, toothbrush, etc.)
• Cleaning Supplies (sanitizers, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc.)
• Medication ( Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children’s medication etc.)
• 3-day supply of prescription medication

Equipment

The items listed below are important components of your 72 hour survival kit. These things will serve as your dependable protector in a survival situation and will definitely make your task a lot easier. Just make sure that they are durable enough to withstand even in the midst of an unrelenting weather condition.

• basic tools (wrench, pliers, shovel, hatchet or ax, pocket knife, etc.)
• can opener
• dishes and utensils
• camp stove and fuel
• rope
• duct tape
• whistle with neck cord
• cell phone charger
• dusk masks
• hand operated or crank radio with spare batteries
• pen and paper

Light and firestarters

When we are confronted by a natural disaster such as an earthquake or a typhoon, power outages are inevitable. And it’s absolutely difficult to maneuver in the dark. So these items below will undoubtedly guide you out of harm’s way.

• flashlights/lamps
• extra batteries
• long burning candles
• flares
• lighters
• windproof/waterproof matches

And talking about firestarters, you might want to check out the Everstryke Match Pro Lighter. It can be a real lifesaver. Shop for it here. 

Personal documents and extra cash

Include your legal documents in your 72 hour survival kit. One of the most neglected areas in preparedness is having your important documents with you. This will prove your identity and possessions to authorities in time of a survival circumstance. Let us not forget what Katrina thought us. To guard against looting, a lot of families were prevented by the national guards and police from entering their homes unless they can present identification and evidence of ownership. Place these documents along with some extra cash in a waterproof container.

• legal documents (birth/marriage certificates, contracts, passports, will, etc.)
• insurance policies
• copies of your emergency plan and contact info
• credit cards
• prepaid phone cards
• cash (include small bill and quarters for phone calls)

Ready-to-go kit

In the event that you need to bug out or evacuate your premises, keep your ready-to-go kit items in a duffle bag or in your backpack and place it in an accessible place such as a front-hall closet. Make sure you can lift and carry it.

• non-perishable food
• water ( 3-4 liters per person)
• extra clothes
• first aid kit
• flashlight and extra batteries
• prescription and non-prescription medication
• personal hygiene items
• a card with emergency contacts
• protective weapon (if available)

Important Notes

• You need to update your kits every six months. Make a note in your calendar or planner to make sure that water, food, and medication are not yet expired, see to it that the clothing still fits, personal documents are up to date and batteries are well charged.
• Divide your items into groups and put them in individual Ziploc bags because some items might leak, melt or break open.
• Adjust clothing for winter or summer needs
• Consider the needs of other family members such as the elderlies and the babies.