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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 8/17/2009
Posts: 1
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I am off at college and would like to get a 72-hour kit going. I am not sure about going "all out" food storage crazy but I think a 72-hour kit would be good. What would I put in one and how much do you think it would cost?
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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 8/16/2009
Posts: 4
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72-hour kits can be fairly inexpensive and a lot of the items you may have already...You need three sets of clothes, a gallon of water (this is something you can set beside your backpack), food items such as tuna, protein bars, trail mix, etc. Make sure you have three days worth. I would have set aside batteries, flashlight, first aid, emergency flare, waterproof matches, etc. These are just some of the items you should have. There are tons of sites that have ideas as well, you just have to google 'em.
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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 8/16/2009
Posts: 3
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I would plan around $50 - $75 for the whole thing. This also depends on whether or not you have an old backpack laying around. Another thing I would like to add is a copy of some personal documents kept in a zip-lock bag. If something ever did happen to your house/apt, it would be less stress for you if you had your birth certificate, social security card (copy), and drivers license (copy).
Another item to have is what I like to call your "comfort food". My wife has Hersey's chocolate pieces (yes, you will still have cravings in a crisis haha) in a zip lock with a journal and pen. My son has his yo-yo and superman action figure and I have my favorite book with some gum and a mini book light.
Good luck with everything...
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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 8/31/2009
Posts: 6
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Mine cost about $50ish...I have lots of neat stuff in mine, though I do need to get a flare or something. I didn't think about that one. But yea, you can make it as personalized as you want. They also sell them already made but I passed on that one. Wal-mart has some neat compact army style meals in a bag that actually taste pretty good. They also have these boxes that heat themselves up so you can have a hot meal.....I know that sounds kinda absurd but my Uncle took me out to a coin show (yes, I'm a nerd) a while back and he whipped one out telling me it heats up by itself!!!! I thought he was a nut case but it worked and was amazing !!! I am pretty sure he got them at wal-mart or publix : )
Well, have fun preparing !!!
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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 5/19/2010
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Don't forget to add some cash in small denominations. ATM's maybe down and no one will be taking credit cards. The small denominations are important because you don't want to have to pay $20 for something that costs $5 because they can't make change.
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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 8/24/2009
Posts: 9
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It is also helpful to try out your 72-hour kit to see how well it works for you. Many families we know go hiking and camping with theirs (you could just go camping to your back yard or living room if you want). It helps you figure out what you have that is useful and what is not and what you might need that you hadn't thought of before. Some kits tend to get really heavy, so it also helps you figure out practical concerns regarding weight and is a natural method of rotating the contents seasonally and yearly (to avoid spoilage of food items and experation of medical or first-aid items). If you have children, it is also important to remember that the clothing (and diapers if needed) for them in your kit is for their current sizes. Every time I start cleaning out their closets of too small items I also clean out their 72-hour kits of too small items.
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