When a disaster strikes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says you should expect to be on your own for at least 72 hours. This 72-hour window of time gives responders enough time to react to the situation and find you. It may take longer for disaster relief to reach you, and it’s always smart to be as prepared as possible. However, remember that there is a limit to how much you can carry in a survival kit.

I am a big proponent of the K.I.S.S. (Keep it Simple Survival) system. There is a lot of information out there (on the web, in books) about what you to put in a 72-hour kit. This is a list of what I keep in my kit, and I think that it will be a great start for you as well.

A 72-hour Kit should contain:

1 gallon of water per day (per person) – Water is essential to life and without it you won’t survive.

Water Bottle (per person) – I prefer a stainless steel water bottle instead of plastic, something like this:

Water Purifier or filtration system – I like to carry an easy to use filter and some tablets. You can use bleach or iodine tablets.

3 day supply of food based on a 2,000 calorie diet (per person) – When you are gathering your food supply remember that there will probably not be any way for you to cook the food.

Eating Utensils – A mess kit works well, there are lots of options out there.

First Aid Kit – Should include

1. A storage case – I use a hard, plastic waterproof case like this:
2. A booklet of first aid instructions
3. Medication – prescription and over the counter (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
4. Sunscreen
5. Chapstick
6. Super Glue
7. Insect Repellent
8. Gloves
9. Q-tips
10. Scissors
11. A blood clotting agent (like quick clot)
12. Emergency blanket
13. Lightstick
14. Bandages of various sizes
15. Moleskin
16. Neosporin
17. Gauze
18. Medical tape
19. Surgical pad
20. There are lots of other good things that you can also put in your first aid kit that will depend on your personal/family situation:
21. Feminine Hygiene Products
22. Allergy Medication

Weather appropriate clothing – In the winter, make sure that you have extra clothing for the cold.

Flashlight with working batteries; even better is a flashlight with a hand-crank or solar powered charger. Mine also has a radio included.

Whistle – this will allow you to signal for help

Cash

Sewing Kit- Needle and thread

Compass

Firestarter – I like magnesium rod firestarters, but matches work well too.

Dust mask

Towlette

Toilet Paper

Hand Wipes

Garbage Bags

Survival Knife (per person) – A lot of people will argue about what makes the best survival knife. I won’t.

Wrench, pliers, or a multitool

Maps

Cell Phone with hand crank charger – The one pictured has a hand crank, and a solar panel. It also has a radio and a flashlight built in.

Paracord or rope – I prefer paracord because it can be broken down for so many other uses.

Duct Tape

Gloves

Radio, ideally with a hand-crank. Here is another picture of a different one:

Signaling Equipment – If you prefer flares to whistles

Tent large enough to fit your family

Make sure that you go through the food and water in the kit and rotate it every 6 months. Also check your medications to make sure they haven’t expired.