Building a 72 Hour Survival Kit
John Harrison
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Any prudent emergency plan should contain a kit that enables you to escape to a safer location if necessary during an emergency. This is especially important to have during a natural disaster as they frequently make it necessary to quickly move to a safer location. This is where the importance of a 72 hour kit or “bugout-bag� is realized. It is possible to purchase these kits premade, however many of the components will be cheaply made and it is possible to get better quality components if you source out the items in the kit yourself. Also you will be familiar with the items in the kit if you purchase and compile the kit yourself, and you can spot any possible deficiencies with the items before you need them in an emergency. As the name states, a 72 hour survival kit should contain everything necessary to survive for three days within one backpack, without any access to additional water or food sources during that time. The kit should also be light enough so that you can trek on foot with the kit if necessary. This makes constructing the kit more challenging as weight should be one of the biggest factors, while at the same time making sure that you are not neglecting required items.
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Eight Requirements for Your 72 Hour Kit Although there are potentially dozens of different items that can serve a purpose in your survival kit, there are eight items that should be included before anything else.
Water The most important and probably heaviest single aspect of the kit will be water. You will need a bare minimum of one liter per day, although you should really plan on bringing two liters or more per day. This water can be stored in two liter soda bottles or standard plastic water bottles. Another good option is a rubber bladder which can conform to your backpack better and provide more space for other items. You should also have a canteen or metal water bottle so you can hydrate yourself while moving.
Water Filter/Purification Tablets A water filter is another important item for your 72 hour kit. Even though you are bringing water in your kit, you may go longer than 72 hours before you can find another source of purified water. Water is the top priority after oxygen for survival so maintaining a source of water should be a top concern in your 72 hour kit. This is where the importance of portable water filters come into action. Having a water filter will enable you to utilize sources of water that you would not be able to drink from without one. Remember you can only survive around three days without water so buy a quality filter that will be reliable. Purification tablets are another option to purify water sources.
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Food Your food sources in your 72 hour kit should be ready to be consumed out of the package or with minimal preparation. Nuts, trail mixes and beef jerky are ready to eat out of the bag and are good food sources to pack in your kit. Some people pack freeze-dried food pouches in their 72 hour kit, although they require boiling water to prepare so you will have to pack a small stove as well. High energy food bars MREs Freeze-dried food pouches Candies Beef Jerky Trail Mix Nuts
Clothing Extra clothing is another integral aspect of your survival kit and will keep you from being exposed to the elements. Here’s a list of clothing that should be included in your kit. A pair of quality boots 2 pairs of wool socks 2 shirts A pair of pants A jacket for protection from rain and warmth A hat A bandana
First Aid Kit A first aid kit should also be a part of your 72 hour kit. It’s likely you will receive minor cuts and injuries if you are required to flee from a disaster zone. A first aid kit containing anti-bacterial lotions and bandages can prevent those minor cuts from becoming infected and developing into a bigger issue. ©2012 longtermfoodstoragesecrets.com
A quality prepackaged first aid kit can be used in your 72 hour kit if you can find one. Otherwise it is a good idea to compile your own first aid kit. This way you will be familiar with the items in the kit and will know exactly what you have on hand when you need it.
Shelter Having the ability to stay warm and dry is a very important aspect of survival. You should pack a small portable tent, a ground tarp for keeping the ground under the tent dry, and a small portable sleeping bag.
Fire Starting Tools The ability to start a fire will give you a huge advantage in emergency event. Being able to stay warm and cook food cannot be understated. As such, you should bring multiple methods of producing a fire in case one fails. The typical fire starting tools that you should have in your kit are water proof matches, a magnesium fire starter, and a quality lighter. You can also pack kindling as well that will help you start a fire under adverse conditions.
Self-Defense Items Unfortunately during desperate situations like natural disasters sometimes the worst of people will come out. As seen during Hurricane Katrina, lawlessness is a possibility as society breaks down. It is prudent to have some method of selfdefense during a crisis. A firearm is obviously your best option to carry in your kit if you are legally and safely able to do so. Another option is to have your survival knife or hatchet at the ready if you have to use it in a self defense situation. Whatever you choose to use as a self defense weapon should be something that you are familiar with and can handle safely.
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Complete Checklist for a Possible 72 Hour Kit: Water Water Filter Food Clothing First Aid Kit Small Tent Sleeping Bag Tarp Water proof matches, magnesium stick, lighters Map of your surrounding area Toilet Paper Canteen/Water bottle Flashlight Batteries Small hand-crank emergency radio Multi-tool/knife Poncho Soap 550 Paracord/Rope Sunscreen Bug Repellant Emergency Blanket Extra cash/coins Small stove Small Hatchet
Š2012 longtermfoodstoragesecrets.com
For more information please visit http://www.longtermfoodstoragesecrets.com
Š2012 longtermfoodstoragesecrets.com