Its been an upsetting few days for me with the fires in Victoria. With now over 80 people confirmed dead and 700 homes lost, the devatstation of whole towns. The pictures are sad and the flames hights and speed frightening. I like to think Im prepared for an emergency if it happens, we all have back packs with enough food and water for 3 days (thats how long the emergency services ask you to have). We have a change of clothes, wind up torch with radio and siren.We also have other bits. They sit in the linen cupboard ready to grab, I always thought we would never have to use it but the more I see on the news with fires in one state and floods in another it makes me realise the importance of having these packs. SO Ive put here a list of what to pack if you decide to make one up you may never need it and I hope you never do but lets be smart and be ready... just in case.
Food and Water
(3 day supply of food & water per person
when no refrigeration/cooking is available)
Protein/Granola Bars
Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
Canned Tuna, Beans, Meat, Vienna
Sausages, etc (“pop-top” cans might leak/
explode & Jerky can “flavor” other items)
Canned Juice
Candy/Gum (Jolly ranchers can melt &
mint gum might “flavor” other items)
Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters per person)
Bedding and Clothing
Change of Clothing (short and long
sleeve shirts, pants, socks, jackets, etc.)
Undergarments
Rain Coat /Poncho
Blankets and Emergency Heat Blankets
Cloth Sheet
Plastic Sheet
Fuel & Light
Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps)
Extra Batteries
Flares
Candles
Lighter
Water-Proof Matches
Miscellaneous
Bag or Bags to put 72 hour kit items in
(we use cheep back packs and it holds everything make sure there is one for EACH member of the family)
Infant Needs (also when you have kids try and put in a toy eg a stuffed aniaml, if you have to leave fast they will be upset and may need something to cuddle )
Can Opener (or get tins with the pull tops on them)
Dishes/Utensils
Shovel
Radio (get a wind up one )
Pen and Paper
Axe( you can get a very small saw instead which is made of wire and rolls up very small)
Pocket Knife
Rope
Duct Tape
First Aid Supplies
Toiletries (roll of toilet paper—remove
center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock
bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc)
Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer,
soap, shampoo, dish soap, you can also have baby wipes they are great and you can get small packets)
medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen,
children’s medication, etc.)
Prescription Medication (for 3 days)
Personal Documents and Money
(Place these items in a water-proof container!)
Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage
Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts)
Insurance Policies
Cash
Credit Card
Pre-Paid Phone Cards
• Update your kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure
that: all food, water, and medication are fresh (not expired), clothing fits, personal
documents and credit cards are up to date, and batteries are charged.
• Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and
entertainment during a stressful time.
• Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
• You can include any other items you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
• Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, “flavor” other items, or break open.
Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.
I hope I never have to use mine but it can't hurt to have ..... Stay safe
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