This article is about how a 72 hour kit could end up saving your life. Everyone should have one, and it should include all the necessities to sustain life comfortably.
If you are interested in preparing for the future in case of an emergency, you need to be sure that you have a kit that can keep you alive and well for at least seventy two hours. Disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods sometimes strike unexpectedly.
They routinely injure and kill many people. However, even more people die as a result of a lack of preparation for such emergencies.
Therefore, many experts recommend the preparation of seventy-two hour kits. These kits contain supplies and equipment that save their users from potential death.
Vital urban systems, such as water and electricity may incur damage during disasters and often may not function for several days. In addition, most stores will be closed and likely inaccessible.
In times like these, citizens thus do not have access to food, medicine, or portable lighting such as flashlights and candles. By assembling a kit that contains all necessary materials, people can survive while waiting for the restoration of those services.
Seventy-two hours (three days) represents a reasonably minimal amount of time for which people should prepare, but sometimes a disaster's aftermath may linger for a week or more. Man cannot survive without water for extended periods and many list a sufficient water supply as the first priority when preparing a seventy-two hour kit.
Through drinking and use for sanitation, people consume one to two gallons of water per day so a kit should contain at a least three-day supply (three gallons), even more for areas with hot climates. Users may also finish their supplies of water before regular service is restored and need to resort to collecting rainwater.
However, you should note that collecting water that way may not be safe, so experts also recommend including some means to purify it. You should also keep at least a three-day supply of food available, with an emphasis on high-energy food that does not spoil quickly like nuts or crackers, being sure to check the dates periodically.
If you include canned items, you must also include a can opener. Another important item is toilet paper and you should have supplies for all household members for at least three days, however you may consider a larger quantity for extra insurance.
Injuries, such as lacerations, occur frequently when disasters strike as well as in the disaster's aftermath. Therefore, other necessary components include first aid materials such as sterile bandages, anti-septic solutions, and topical antibiotics.
You should also keep an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses. Any material in the kit that may be damaged or rendered ineffective by water should be wrapped or sealed in plastic.
A supply of money in small denominations and coins or credit cards in your kit helps for situations such as telephone calls (if the lines still operate) or vendors selling various goods, both essential and non-essential. Copies of important documents such as insurance forms, wills, an important telephone numbers may be necessary during recovery following the disaster.
You may also need to include some form of sheltering to protect yourself against elements of nature such as rain or cold. Some tents are designed for this purpose and fold up neatly into small packages.
For cold weather areas, blankets or sleeping bags may be required. You should also include some form of portable lighting such as a flashlight or candles.
You should also be sure to include extra batteries and waterproof matches. Many experts also recommend a sort of kit-within-a-kit containing articles of personal hygiene and grooming including toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, soap, and comb or brush.
In areas of strong sun, survivors of disasters should also include sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat. Insect repellent also helps in warm areas.
You should also realize that over the course of several days you will need to change clothes and you should also include extra underwear, shirts, shorts, pants, socks, and shoes. Although one does not need to wear different shoes each day, you should remember a disaster may strike while you are wearing uncomfortable dress shoes and during an emergency comfortable, yet sturdy shoes are preferable.
Some people may require special materials for their kits. For example people who suffer from epilepsy, diabetes, or other diseases require essential components such as medications as well as the means to administer them.
Babies require diapers, pacifiers, sanitary napkins, and nourishment. With these supplies, you can be sure that you will remain healthy and safe in times of disaster.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is an accomplished expert in family preparedness and has been giving seminars for over 15 years. He recommends that everyone have on hand an 72 hour kits in case of any emergency or disaster.
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