Preparedness Kit Supply Checklist: What You Need in Your 72-Hour Food Kit

Everyone should have a preparedness kit ready to go. Whether you live alone or have a family, it’s a necessity many people do not think about. The point of having this kit is so that you don’t have to think about anything during an emergency. Having the kit will save you time, stress, and money while bringing you peace of mind. 

Disaster can strike at any moment, which is scary to think about. Unfortunately, you really don’t know when an emergency can and will take place. This is why the best thing you can do for you and your family’s safety is to be prepared. We know it’s stressful to think about you and your loved ones being in a dangerous situation. But imagine how much more stressful it would be if you had to think about finding food, water, and supplies during the actual emergency.

It’s better to be stressed while preparing for an emergency than to be stressed in the middle of one. With all that being said, you may be wondering what you can do to be prepared. Creating a preparedness kit is one of the best things you can do to be ready for emergencies. It’s not hard to do, and it doesn’t take much time. You just need to understand the basics of a preparedness kit, and you will be good to go! 

Are All Preparedness Kits the Same?

If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. We will make it easy for you to know exactly what you need. The basic preparedness will contain three categories: food, water, and supplies. Each category can differ depending on your family’s needs and what sort of emergencies you might be preparing for.

For example, a family living in Florida might gear their preparedness kit more towards hurricane preparations, while a family in Michigan might prepare their kit for things such as power outages. No matter where you live or what kind of emergencies you may face, your kit must contain food, water, and supplies. Survival depends on keeping your strength up and having the tools to make it through anything! 

When starting your preparedness kit, you should consider having enough supplies for 72 hours. You should assume that in these 72 hours, you will not have access to food or water, and you will not be able to leave your place of residence/shelter. With those things in mind, you might find it easier to figure out what you need for your kit. 

Seventy-two hours is a good starting point for a kit because it simply buys you time to figure out a plan, communicate with others, find help, and acquire more supplies if need be. Of course, it does not hurt to have enough supplies to last you longer than 72 hours, but having a three day supply is a great place to start. 

Now, keep in mind that you will need enough supplies for each member of your household. When you are getting food and water, you must ensure the quantities are enough for everyone. If you live alone, it will be easier to figure out exactly how much you need because you are only preparing for yourself. 

Should I Have Food and Water in My Preparedness Kit?

Yes, you should have food and water in your preparedness kit. In fact, it is essential that you have these items in the kit. We cannot survive without food and water, and therefore your kit should include plenty of each. 

Consider the fact that each person in your household should have approximately one gallon of water per day during an emergency. This is so that they can use it to drink, disinfect, and clean things. If you are preparing for yourself only, you will need three gallons of water for your 72-hour kit. If, for example, you have a family of four, you will need 12 gallons of water.

An easier option might be to have a water filter. This way, you will never have to worry about having enough water or running out. Even floodwater can become drinkable by using a water filter. Purchasing a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit for each member of your family will save time and money. Each kit contains portioned quantities of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This way, you know everyone will have enough food to give them energy and keep them full.

What Supplies Should I Have In My Preparedness Kit?

There are a few basic supplies you should have in your preparedness kit. You should definitely have a light source, such as a solar-powered flashlight. If you lose power, you will need a flashlight to find your way around your house and to turn off electrical appliances if necessary. You also don’t know if you’ll have to stay in your attic or basement, which are extra dark places. 

You could also have to go outside, and a flashlight will help you be safer by preventing you from stepping on anything that is damaged or flooded. 

You should also have either a knife or scissors in order to cut things, such as tape, rope, or cording of any kind. Also, consider having blankets or extra clothing in the case of extreme weather. Lastly, you should have a lighter or matches that are kept in a water-proof container. 

Besides the supplies we discussed above, you might want to consider purchasing a solar-powered generator. This is not necessary to include in your preparedness kit, but it is definitely worthwhile if you are creating a more extensive survival kit. Having a generator will make emergencies much less stressful.

You can power medical machines, kitchen applies, and portable heating and cooling devices. You will never have to worry about adding gas to the generator because this one is solar-powered. It’s just one less thing to have to remember when you are in the middle of an emergency. 

Conclusion

Your preparedness kit should contain food, water, and supplies. It should contain enough of each item for the total number of people in your household. You can consider purchasing a solar-powered generator to include with your kit as an extra safety measure. Having a kit is one of the best ways to be prepared for any emergency, and it saves you time, money, and energy. 

Sources:

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/emergency-go-bag.html

https://www.ready.gov/kit