Grab 'n Go Bags, Part Two (72-Hour Kits)

Posted on 19-Sep-2006 at 22:05

Previously, I touched on the importance of having an emergency bag in one’s vehicle.  Not only does this allow you to be prepared in moments of true crisis, it also comes in handy on road trips when you just can’t listen to “I’m hunnnngry!” any longer. 

Grab ‘n Go bags also come in handy in the home.  A 72-Hour Kit (so called because it should contain the basics to help you survive the vital first 72 hours in an emergency situation) is something that can be pulled together in just a few hours’ time and on even the most limited of budgets.  I like to plan for a review of our grab ‘n go bags each quarter, in time with the seasons, because it allows me to rotate out food and make adjustments for seasonal clothing needs and growth spurts of little ones (or weight changes for Mom and Dad).

Starting your 72-hour kit is simple and it’s an excellent opportunity for the entire family to participate and learn about emergency preparedness.  While several emergency prep companies offer entire kits, complete with hygiene products, rations, and a carrying case, it’s much more educational (and cost-effective) to create your own.

Start out by doing a Google search for “items needed in 72-hour kit”.  This search phrase will give you dozens of lists and articles with great suggestions for products and supplies for your kit.  Next, get a backpack or other carrying case for each member of the family.  While babies certainly can’t carry their own kit bags, you should pack one for them.  This allows you to quickly access and update the items you’ll need for them when the time comes.  School-age children can be given a tote or suitcase on wheels that they are able to carry or pull themselves.  Don’t forget that in the instance of a natural disaster you may be limited to foot travel, and you parents won’t be able to bear the brunt of all the carrying at every moment.  Teaching our children from the onset to be self-reliant will help the whole family survive, and thrive, together during times of need.

Here’s a short list of ideas to get you thinking about what to put in the bags for various individuals, starting with the smallest of the crew:

For babies and toddlers, use a good-sized diaper bag to corral the following necessities:

• Extra clothing, such as onesies, leggings, long-sleeved shirts, and other items that can be layered for extra warmth or to replace wet or soiled clothes.
• A rugged blanket or small quilt that can be used for warmth, swaddling, playing on at a campsite, or comfort and shade in a backpack carrier.
• Diapers and wipes, along with other hygiene items regularly used (this isn’t the time to find out about an allergy to a new baby lotion!)
• Baby food and water.  Even if your baby is breastfed, consider packing some instant formula.  Should a disaster lead to your family living on rations less than you are accustomed to for an extended period, a mother’s milk supply may be less than adequate to keep baby well-fed.
• Don’t forget extra “loveys”, such as binkies, teether toys, or a small stuffed toy.  A bored baby is an unhappy baby, and an unhappy baby will add to the stress in an uncomfortable, disastrous situation.
• If affordable, keep an extra stroller on hand where your grab ‘n go bags are stored.  An all-terrain stroller with a roomy basket below will come in handy not just for toting Junior, but also his gear or that of a tired sibling.  Again, this is perfect if you end up on foot!  Put your little one in a backpack or front carrier for warmth and security and use the stroller to haul gear instead.

For school-age children, consider a backpack or duffel bag that is child-sized and has wheels on it.  Kids can tote their own items for a while, taking some of the strain off your back, and adding a feeling of responsibility and pride for helping out during an emergency.  Just make sure they can pull it without hurting themselves!

• As with tots, place extra clothing, accurately sized and seasonally appropriate, in each child’s bag or tote.
• A blanket or even a compact sleeping bag, along with a tube tent, for shelter.
• Rations, including water and snacks, along with eating utensils.  Don’t forget that water is heavy; don’t expect your preschooler to be able to haul a half dozen bottles of water on an hour-long hike through a neighborhood hit by a tornado and strewn with objects to be avoided.  Don’t hesitate, however, to challenge your child to carry at least some of their rations!  You may be surprised at how they’ll rise to your expectations if it’s discussed and practiced in advance.
• A whistle, a flashlight with an easy-on button (small hands can’t always power hand-cranked flashlights), a personal first aid kit (consider letting your child select some fun Band-Aids for their kit so bumps and bruises are less traumatizing if they occur), sunglasses, sunscreen and hygiene products.
• Paper and pencils, or even a small activity book and a pack of compact colored pencils.  Don’t forget a security lovey, even if your child seems to have outgrown dolls or toys.  Even older children need something familiar during crises too!

Teens and adults can, and should, carry much more involved packs.  You won’t be able to lug a suitcase along, but a large backpack or even a rucksack from a military surplus store will be perfect.  Adults should tote their own rations, clothing, hygiene products, and blanket/sleeping bag along with the following:

• Certified copies of all important documents, including children’s birth certificates, marriage certificates, and copies of identification such as a driver’s license and Social Security cards.
• Cash and an extra set of keys.  (Don’t forget to secure your home, vehicles and all outbuildings if you must leave your property in an emergency!)
•  A family first aid kit
• Hand-crank radio and/or two-way radio set (cell phones may run out of juice or not have service, but a family can stay in contact with a good set of two-ways!)
• Cooking utensils and a small camp stove if possible
• A waterproof tinderbox with matches and other fire-starting necessities
• An extra canteen and water purification tablets
• A tube tent, or if possible, a larger tent that can be carried while attached to the frame of a hiking pack
• Extra medications as necessary for any member of the family on prescribed medications
• Rope, fishing gear, a disposable camera (or two), paper or a bound journal, and pencils/colored pencils.  Adults can pass the time by journaling their experiences or making lists and maps to refer back to at a later date.

These suggestions are by no means exhaustive!  Get started on some basic research today, and then pack your 72-hour kit.  Creating your family’s kits can be a perfect weekend educational experience, and just about all of the items needed can be found at your local camping store, military surplus, or discount store such as Target or Wal-Mart.  When the time comes to “grab and go”, you’ll be ready!

Grab N Go

Posted by Anonymous on 20-Sep-2006 at 16:49 - Link

Excellent! I'll read down further just in case you mention the things I think I would add in!