Emergency Response Kits (72 Hr. Kits)
Church members are encouraged to prepare for adversity by building a basic supply of food, water, money, and, over time, longer-term supply items. Beyond this, Church members may choose to store additional items that could be of use during times of distress.
The important thing here is to store and rotate. Store the things you will or may need to provide for safety, food/water, and comfort for at least a 72 hour period but consider more. Keep in mind that it will take a minimum of 72 hours and likely longer, for any Church assistance to become available. Let's begin to refer to these as an "Emergency Response Kit".
Most resources are now calling for a 5 day minimum - Personally, as important as water is, 10-14 days should be the minimum goal. Accompany that with our preparedness kits to also increase those kits length of time as well,
Often times, 72 Hr. Kits are called "Go Bags", meaning, they are designed to grab and go in an emergency. These emergency response kits should contain all of the life saving materials a person needs, not just food,
Since rotating stored food, and even clothes, is so important, we suggest you do a semi-annual pack check to see how things have stood the test of time. We like to use General Conference time to do this as a good reminder to do it.
Some ideas for a Response Kit from Ready.gov. - I have modified/enhanced some of their website recommendations.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation - consider more)
Food (at least a 5 day minimum supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert (consider a GMRS radio)
Flashlight(s)
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Additional items to consider if evacuating -
Extra clothing - especially extra shoes, socks and underwear
Planned meeting place with others including directions.
Coats, sweaters, gloves or whatever the climate dictates.
Scriptures and other faith promoting material
Important documents, including Insurance information
Fuel - propane if needed - Maintain auto gas levels at or above 50% at all times
Communication radios, walkie-talkies, ham, GMRS, etc.
Medications, OTC and prescription including sunblock
Personal hygiene, toothbrush, soap, hand sanitizer
Tarp(s) and plastic bags
Camping gear may be ideal including blankets
Water filter such as life straw or any certified method of water purification.