Survival Kit Photo

72-Hour Survival Kit Checklist

Please adjust this list to fit your local region and specific family requirements

  Item Notes
Checkbox Drinking Water Three gallons of drinking water stored for each person
Checkbox Sanitation Water Two gallons of washing water for each person (or have a plan for accessing water)
Checkbox Food Three-day supply
Checkbox Shelter Tent or preplanned location for gathering and shelter
Checkbox Wool-blend blanket or sleeping bag One for each person, in waterproof bag or container
Checkbox Camp stove and fuel Store fuel in safe, yet accessible location
Checkbox Cooking pots & utensils Include manual can opener
Checkbox Flashlights One for each person - LED type preferred
Checkbox AM/FM Radio with batteries Self powered "Freeplay" type preferred.
Checkbox Alkaline or lithium batteries Enough batteries to run all flashlights and radio continuously for 3 days
Checkbox Long-burning Candle Preferably in "hurricane" fixture or other safety enclosure
Checkbox Mantle lantern With extra mantles and sufficient fuel for three days continuous use
Checkbox "Cyalume" light sticks For use as markers and to comfort small children
Checkbox Windproof/waterproof matches  
Checkbox Second method to start fire Butane lighter or sparker
Checkbox Disposable plates, cups and utensils. Paper towels.  
Checkbox Ziplock bags Various sizes
Checkbox Duct tape Six large rolls
Checkbox Plastic sheeting Six large 2-mil tarps minimum. More are better. Thicker is better.
Checkbox Tools Include shovel, hatchet or axe, pocket knife
Checkbox First aid kit and supplies With first aid manual. Include burn gel and large dressings
Checkbox Prescription medicines taken regularly Consume every six months and replace with fresh bottle
Checkbox Bottle of potassium iodide tablets In case of radiation exposure
Checkbox Emergency battery pack for cell phone Make sure phone is accessible and operational in shelter location
Checkbox 50-foot nylon rope and heavy-duty nylon tarp with grommets For emergency shelter construction
Checkbox Whistle with neck cord  
Checkbox Makeshift toilet Can be made from a five-gallon spackle bucket and toilet seat
Checkbox Toilet paper  
Checkbox 13-gallon trash can liners For toilet liner and other uses
Checkbox Nitrile rubber gloves Small and large sizes.
Checkbox Dust masks  
Checkbox Bottle of disinfectant Lysol and/or Clorox
Checkbox Personal comfort kit Soap, toothbrush and paste, comb, tissue, sanitary napkins, razor, and other needed items. Sewing kit. 
Checkbox Spare eyeglasses In case main set are broken or unavailable
Checkbox Pet food and supplies Include extra drinking water for pet
Checkbox Fire extinguisher Class ABC type
Checkbox Money At least $500 in kit. Include small bills, quarters for phone calls, large bills for bribes.
Checkbox Important Papers Copies of important documents: wills, birth certificates, insurance forms, emergency phone numbers.
Checkbox Pillows and foam sleeping pads Not essential but very nice to have
Checkbox Stress Relievers Games, books, hard candy. For children: small toys, paper and pen, small stuffed animal.
Checkbox Extra Clothing A complete outfit of appropriate clothing for each family member. Include extra socks, underwear, hat, sturdy shoes, and gloves
Checkbox Emergency reflective blanket  
Checkbox Durable water resistant duffel bag, frame pack or day pack In case of evacuation

 

Additional Notes

(1) Your kit should be placed in portable containers located near an exit of your house. This is so you can grab them on your way out of the house in a serious emergency. Do not overload your kit – you may have to carry it long distances to reach safety or shelter.

(2) Each family member should have their own kit with food, clothing and water. Distribute heavy items between kits.

(3) Enclose the extra clothing, matches, personal documents, and other items damageable by smoke or water in plastic to protect them. If it's raining when you have to evacuate, you will appreciate the dry clothes.

(4) Keep a small flashlight source in the top of your kit, so you can find it quickly in the dark.

(5) Personalize your kit. Make sure you fill the needs of each family member.

(6) Inspect your kit at least twice a year. Rotate food and water. Check children's clothing for proper fit. Adjust clothing for winter or summer needs. Check expiration dates on batteries, light sticks, warm packs, food and water.

(7) Consider the needs of elderly people as well as those with handicaps or other special needs. For example: for babies, store diapers, washcloth, ointment, bottles and pacifiers, and other special supplies.

(8) Make copies of important personal/business documents and store them in a safe place.

(9) Identify an out of state contact person so family and friends can communicate with you during an emergency.

(10) Develop an individual/family/business emergency plan.

(11) Plan for a meeting place if you cannot meet at home

(12) Discuss what children should do if at school

(13) Coordinate with neighbors for pick-up if children attend the same school

(14) Designate a surrogate parent for your children if you are not able to tend to them

(15) Provide all of this information to your child’s school

(16) Learn how to locate and shut-off (if necessary) power, water, and gas.

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