Sturdy backpack or rolling suitcase (1 for every 2 people in your family) - This seems obvious. You'll need some kind of package to hold all your items. A suitcase with wheels can hold heavy items, and you won't have to hold it on your back all the time like you would a large backpack. Backpacks are good for kids or lighter items.
1 set of scriptures per family, consecrated oil - These items are solely for faith and comfort. The blessings that come from having these two items, however, can be more lifesaving than any medicine you bring. They are not mandatory items.
Flashlight, spare batteries, light sticks (2 per person) - You'll definitely need these. Loss of electricity is likely to happen in many different circumstances. Keep these in the pack.
Spare keys (house and car) - These can go in an easily accessible place, not just in the suitcase. Make sure that you always know where they are, so that you can get in and out of your house and car with ease.
Cash ($100) - In the event of a disaster, credit cards and checks may likely be rendered unusable. It may also be very difficult to withdraw your money from a bank, so it's safe to keep some money in the house, either in the pack, or somewhere you can get it easily. I wouldn't recommend keeping large bills or large quantities of cash in your house. $100 per family is an appropriate amount for some food and gasoline until you reach a safe place.
Glasses, contacts, solutions - This is mandatory if you require aid from these items. If you are in a disaster without your glasses, you won't easily be able to help, drive, or find your way around.
At least 1 week supply of medications, 3-5 weeks recommended - Same as glasses and contacts. Any type of medicine you commonly use should be in the pack. Including over the counter, like ibuprofin, or even birth control.
Comfortable shoes, two pairs of socks - Imagine trying to navigate your way around a devastated area... in high heels. or even sandals. They protect your feet from objects and elements, and help you travel by foot with more ease.
Change of clothes per person, underwear, jacket/sweatshirt - Should you be stuck in a circumstance without electricity, you wouldn't be able to heat yourself. Should you somehow become soaking wet, a change of clothes would reduce risk of illness. Don't forget underwear! I recommend one change of clothes per person, but three pairs of underwear.
Whistle 1 per suitcase - a good way to grab attention. Also takes up minimal space. Better have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Pocket knife - handy for cutting and scraping.
Paper and pencil, crayons, cards, a book, crossword puzzle, or any small, light entertainment - Your kids will appreciate this. Little ways of thinking ahead like this will make 72 hours go by faster and with less panic. If your kids can feel relaxed and busy, its always a good thing.
Emergency phone list – Who to call if injured, who to notify where you are. Your out-of-city family members will want to know how you are. Include the number of doctors, firefighters, and friends.
Important personal documents, specifically a form of ID for each member of the family - In the event of a disaster, panic can set in. Being able to prove who you are reduces stress for those around you, and ensures trust. If there was a fire in your house, you'd also have the important documents safe from singe. I keep mine in a file in a desk near the door. I can grab it quickly and easily if i need to.
Small first aid kit - This shouldn't need much explaining. Any number of injuries can happen at any time. Always have a first aid kit in your kit. Its not a bad idea to keep a separate one in your house, also.
One small toothbrush per person - hygiene will make the 3 (or however many) days more bearable.
Toothpaste, Vaseline, shampoo, soap - see above.
Toilet paper - see above. Take out the cardboard tube so the roll can squish kind of flat. It will store easily in a plastic baggie, safe from moisture.
Ziplock baggies, large and small, and plastic grocery bags - good for soiled clothing, trash, or to protect things from moisture.
Work gloves - This is up for your deciding. I'd think they'd be handy for almost any kind of work. And they don't take up a lot of space.
Blankets or sleeping bags - Crucial for warmth. I would definitely have these. They probably won't fit into the kit with everything else, so just have them either next to the kits or somewhere accessible.
Plastic ground tarp - In any situation involving wetness, this would be handy to have. It will keep you dry whether its below you or above you.
5 gallon Bucket - This is handy for toting water or holding items that don't fit in the kit.
Dust masks for every family member - Life saving in a fire, nuclear disaster, or any situation that would produce dust, smoke, or rubble.
Shovel - It can be small , but it should be sturdy (no children's shovels), and you can store it in the bucket. If you opt out of packing the shovel, be prepared to dig with the work gloves.
Small axe or hatchet - Should you ever need to chop wood or kill a snake (or any other menacing critter), this would be handy. Same as the shovel, it can be small and stored in the bucket. Store away from children's reach.
Drinking water, 2 gal. per person - At least. Water is absolutely more important than food. If your water gets shut off or contaminated, you will definitely need at least 2 gallons of clean drinking water per person, for at least 3 days. Buy in bottles or pre-packaged large containers. We'll have a whole segment on water storage later.
Food – canned or non perishable, snacks, peanut butter, granola bars. Less important than water, but still crucial to survival. Keep non perishable (canned or packaged) foods in the packs. Rotate through them every 6 months (we do it each General Conference Weekend. We'll remind you). I'd recommend not having pop top cans. They can sometimes open on their own and mold all your contents.
Can opener - how else will you open that canned food?!
Mess kits or disposable plates, bowls, utensils, napkins - these just make eating more civilized. They also reduce the risk of you or your child getting cut on the edge of a can that you were trying to eat out of.
Insect repellant, sunscreen - Save your energy and stay healthy. Bugs and burns will slow you down, and you'll definitely consume more water and be less helpful.
Matches and/or lighter and candles - good for light in darkness, or for lighting a fire.
Camp stove or portable BBQ and fuel - This way you'll be able to cook your food, thus reducing food-born illness. Also provides a small amount of warmth. Make sure you have enough fuel for 3 days.
Battery powered radio - handy if the phone lines are all down. You'll be able to reach someone who you can help, or who can help you. You could also have walkie-talkies that you share with a neighbor or ward-member. Keep track of each other.
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