Disasters are a fearful reminder to all of us how fragile our existence is.  Being prepared, both spiritually and temporally, can dispel fear.  This tip is a temporal preparation tip —a reminder to pack a 72 Hour Emergency Kit for yourself and your family. 

Food and Water

(A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available)

• Protein/Granola Bars
• Trail Mix/Dried Fruit/Nuts
• Crackers/Cereals
• Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, Stew, Chili, etc ("pop-top" cans that open without a can-opener are ideal)
• Canned Juice
• Candy/Gum
• Water (1 gallon per person)
• MRE (Military Meals Ready to Eat—available for purchase on the internet.  These are good, convenient, and a little expensive [about $6 per meal].  However, MRE’s have it all, they’re pretty darn edible, and store for a loooong time.)

Bedding and Clothing

• Change of Clothing (shirts, pants, jackets, socks, underwear, etc.)
• Rain Coat/Poncho
• Blankets and Emergency Heat Blankets
• Cloth Sheet
• Plastic Sheet

Fuel and Light

• Battery operated lighting (flashlights, lanterns, etc.)
• Extra Batteries
• Body warmer
• Flares
• Candles
• Lighter
• Water-Proof Matches

Equipment

• Can Opener
• Dishes/Utensils
• Rubberbands
• Shovel
• Battery-operated Radio
• Pen and Paper
• Axe
• Pocket Knife
• Rope
• Whistle
• Water Purification means (tablets, purifier, etc.)

Personal Supplies and Medication

• First Aid Supplies
• Toiletries (roll of toilet paper- remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene [sanitary pads make great bandages] comb, etc.)
• Trash bags
• Soaps (hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, wet-ones, etc.)
• Medication (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, children's medication, etc.)
• Prescription Medication (for 3 days)

Personal Documents and Money

(Place these items in a plastic bag or water proof container)

• Scriptures
• Copies of Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc), Genealogy Records, Vaccination Papers, Insurance Policies
• Cash
• Credit Card
• Phone Card

Miscellaneous

• Container to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags, back packs, buckets with lids, etc.  If you use a bucket with lid it can double as a chair or lined with a trash sack, a commode.)
• Infant Needs (diapers, formula, etc. if applicable)
• Check and replenish your 72 Hour Kit every year to keep food and batteries fresh and make sure your clothes still fit.
• Small toys or games and candy will provide comfort and entertainment during a stressful time for children and adults.