72-HOUR KITS

What if I don't know where to start? What if I do it wrong? What if this isn't in my budget?

Sometimes we're a little hesitant to put a disaster kit together, but something is always better than nothing. Don't worry about having the perfect emergency kit. Start with just the basics of survival gathered from items you already have around your home and make a goal to upgrade as your time and budget allow.

If nothing else grab a plastic shopping bag and fill it with a bottle of water, a can of tuna, an extra can opener, and a granola bar. Add that old jacket you don't wear anymore, a roll of toilet paper, an extra phone charger, maybe some adhesive bandages, and sunblock. What else do you have that could be useful?

What is the best way to store all the supplies I gather?

Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in the case of evacuation.

Before you begin compiling your disaster supply kit, make sure that wherever you store everything, whether its in a bucket or in a large duffle bag, that it is lined with contractor grade garbage bags. Being that these types of bags are much thicker and more durable than normal garbage bags, these will ensure protection for the contents of your kit, even if your kit ends up in water. 

Put the supplies that require extra protection into ziplock bags.

Where should I store my supplies?

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work, cars, and anywhere else you are frequently.

• Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

• Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.

• Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

 
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What are basic items that my household will need in the event of an emergency?

Gather items according to the needs of your family and/or household

Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items *Manual can opener (for food) (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Each of these items will be discussed in more depth on the FOOD STORAGE page.

*General items to include:
*Flashlights
*Extra batteries
*Matches in a waterproof container
*Rain ponchos
*Multi-purpose tool, containing wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
*Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
*Paper and pencil
*Small games & activities to pass the time (cards, game books, etc)

*Safety items to include:
*First aid kit
*Fire extinguisher or extinguishing blanket
*Dust mask (N95 or surgical to help filter contaminated air)
*Work gloves

*Shelter items to include:
*Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
*Emergency blankets
*Sleeping bags or blankets
*Local maps

*Communication items to include:
*Whistle (to signal for help)
*Two-way radios
*Cell phone with chargers and backup batteries
*Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio with tone alerts, if possible)
*Family & Emergency Contact information (if you don't have access to your phone)

*Health & Sanitation items to include:
*Moist towelettes
*Garbage bags
*Plastic ties
*Household liquid bleach
*Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
*Feminine hygiene supplies
*Washcloths
*Complete change of clothing
*Hats
*Sturdy shoes
*Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
*Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
*Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
*Other important medical items that are used regularly

*Extra items to include, if necessary:
*Baby Supplies
-bottles
-formula
-baby food
-diapers
-wipes
-diaper rash cream
*Pet Supplies
-food & bowl
-extra water
-collar & leash
-Pet ID

*Printable Lists:
FEMA Emergency Supply List
UTAH Disaster Supply Kit

What about those things that are impractical or unable to fit in my Emergency Supply Kit?

You will not get everything you need to survive, thrive, and recover into your kit. It is important to be ready by creating a prioritized grab list before the emergency when you have time and can calmly think through your priorities. 

• Brainstorm - what do you need to be happy, healthy, and comfortable, but can't fit in your emergency kit?

• Prioritize the items according to most important needs followed by wants. Personalize it to what is valuable to you and your family. 

• Write down the location of each item on the list. Do not count on remembering where these things are if there's an emergency.

• Attach the prioritized list with or near to where you store your disaster supply kit.

*Last minute items may include:
*Additional food and water
*Pets and their disaster supply kits
*Portable gas/solar generator
*2-way radios and/or HAM radio
*Camera and binoculars
*Laptop/external hard drive

*Family heirlooms/records/photo albums
*Jewelry
*Valuable collections
*Religious items

*C-Pap machine or portable oxygen
*Medical equipment and supplies
*Walker, cane, and/or wheel chair
*Portable toilet and other sanitation supplies

*Umbrella or rain poncho
*Coats, hats, boots, and gloves
*Diaper bag
*Stroller
*Additional blankets

*Wallet or purse
*Mobile phone
*House and car keys
*Wagon or cart if unable to use vehicle

*Emergency preparedness reference books
*Camping supplies
*Sleeping bags
*Tent
*Tarp, stakes, and rope
*Camp stove with fuel and cooking kit
*Camp shower and towels
*Hunting and fishing gear
*Small musical instruments

*Anything that is of value to you or important for your survival and recovery

How should I go about grabbing my supplies in the event of an evacuation?

You may have a completely different list of things you would like to grab in the case of an evacuation. This brainstorming will require additional steps. 

• Brainstorm - what do you need to be happy, healthy, and comfortable, but can't fit in your emergency kit?

• Brainstorm - which things of sentimental and monetary value would you like to grab if you evacuate?

• Combine the lists and prioritize the items according to most important needs followed by wants. Personalize it to what is valuable to you and your family.

• Write down the location of each item on the list. Do not count on remembering where these things are if there's an emergency.

• Attach both of the prioritized lists with or near your disaster supply kit.

When an evacuation is called, make sure to follow the time limit that you are given by authorities. If you have 15 minutes, grab your family, pets, disaster supply kits, and start collecting things from the top of this list. At 15 minutes, wherever you are on the list, you stop gathering and GO!

*Important Grab & Go items may include:
*Extra Cash or traveler's checks
*Extra set of car and house keys
*Tools & supplies necessary for securing your home
*Copies of Personal Documents saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
-identification
-medication list & pertinent medical information
-proof of address
-deed/lease to home
-passports
-birth certificates
-insurance policies
-bank account records

With this list, include QUICK instructions to follow to ready your home for evacuation. Follow these instructions after you have grabbed what you need. But only follow if you have time! 

*Evacuation Instructions may include:
*Locking all your doors and windows
*Turning on the alarm system
*Shutting off the utilities (make this a priority if authorities have required it)

How should I maintain my supplies?

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After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

1. Re-think your needs and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

2. Schedule 2 times a year where you sort through your kit to make sure everything is in working order.

Practice your emergency plan with all members of your household using different scenarios

*Practice evacuating your home twice a year - Grabbing your emergency kit, just like you would in a real emergency. 

HELPFUL SITES FOR MAKING EMERGENCY PLANS
https://www.westjordan.utah.gov/make-a-plan/
https://slcoem.org/be-prepared-community-outreach/family-communication-plan/
https://beready.utah.gov/family-preparedness/make-a-plan-family/
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html
https://www.ready.gov/plan

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