WHAT TO PACK IN A 72 HOUR EMERGENCY KIT

72 hour Emergency kits have lots of names : bug-out bags, go-bags, survival backpack, get home bag, etc.

WHAT IS A 72 HOUR EMERGENCY KIT?

A 72 hour emergency kit is typically a backpack that you’ll keep in your car / in an easy to access location of your home. You would grab this in an emergency. It’s meant to sustain you short term – for up to 72 hours.

You should have a 72 hour kit for each member of your family. If you have small children they may not be able to carry any/all of their own items.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR A 72 HOUR EMERGENCY GO BAG

BACKPACK. You’ll obviously need a bag to store everything in. You’ll want something durable, but also discreet. I’d recommend not using a bag that says SURVIVAL across the back. Just in case you truly do end up in a situation where you’re in danger.
A FULL CHANGE OF CLOTHES. If your clothing gets wet and then temperatures are cold (remember night time is MUCH colder than the day), it can be very dangerous. A complete change of clothes, including socks, underwear and a warm hat are important.
DRINKING WATER. I’d recommend having at least 2 litres of water per person/day. Something like a lifestraw is convenient. But you also need actual water rations in case you find yourself without a water source.
NON-PERISHABLE FOODS. Most emergency bag kits come with a food-like block rations. Of course in a true emergency, you would eat it because you have to. My preference is freeze dried backpacking food that you just add boiling water to. This means you need to factor in extra water + a small stove.
FLASHLIGHT. Make sure you also have extra batteries! Ideally a flashlight would have multiple power sources (solar, windup AND battery).
EXTRA BATTERIES. If your flashlight runs off batteries, it is essential that you have a backup!
GLOW STICKS. Glow sticks can be incredibly helpful at nighttime to mark your shelter location, or to hang on each family member to see from a distance.
RADIO. A wind up radio can be helpful if you’re stuck in a situation where roads are closed. You don’t want to rely on your cellphone/car radio for information.
FIRST AID KIT. I’d recommend a first aid kit specifically recommended for outdoor preparedness and/or survival. This one includes additional helpful items such as a handheld saw, fire starter, multitool and knife.
EMERGENCY BLANKET. One per person in your family. This sleeping bag option looks more practical than the reflective blankets.
PERSONAL HEALTH NEEDS. If there are any medications your rely on daily, be sure to have at least a 3 day supply in your Emergency bag! This may include prescription medications, infant formula/diapers or equipment for people with disabilities.
MISCELLANOUS. A few other essentials items are a knife, Duct Tape, waterproof matches and rope.
Extra keys for your car and your house.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS. You’ll want a paper copy of important phone numbers in case your phone dies and you have an opportunity to borrow someone else’s phone.

ARE PREMADE BUG OUT BAGS A GOOD IDEA?

There are lots of companies that sell pre-made bug out bags (like this). In my opinion, these are a good start, but you’ll likely want to add to it to ensure it will cover your needs.

Many of these kits include cheap materials at an inflated price. If you’re looking to making this process quick + easy for yourself, the kit below is the one I’d recommend.

Personally, I put my own emergency kit together. Since I already had some of the essentials in our camping gear, I started with a good quality first aid kit and then added on the rest of the items.

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE PACKING FOR

What types of situations do you have in mind while packing your go-bag? A go-bag is typically kept in your vehicle, or in an easy to access spot in your home. It is intended for short term survival should you need to quickly evacuate your home (House fire, flood, natural disaster, dangerous situation).

If you choose to store your bag IN your vehicle, it is also useful in case of a car accident / being stuck somewhere.

A 72 hour emergency kit will not prepare you for any type of longer term emergency. In the case of a long term power outage, no running water, or major natural disaster, you’ll want to think about expanding your emergency preparedness kit.