Torrential rains and typhoons remind everyone of the need to have a 72-hour survival kit ready for any eventuality.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often counsels their members to have a "72-Hour Kit" ready in their homes.
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A 72-Hour Kit is a personal kit containing essential supplies that should help a person survive for at least three days (72 hours) during a disaster. Experience has shown that it usually takes about three days before government and other institutions are able to provide rescue and relief efforts to disaster victims.
To provide maximum protection in an emergency, a 72-hour kit should be:
Portable. Your kit won’t be of much value in an evacuation if you can’t carry it. Keep it compact and lightweight.
Easily accessible. Keep your kit near an exit door, where you can grab it and go. Don’t bury it under clutter.
Up-to-date. Rotate food and medications at least every six months. Check the clothing annually to make sure it fits. Check expiration dates on batteries.
Complete. Check your kit regularly to make sure you have everything your family needs for three days’ survival.
Waterproof. Put all items inside ziplock bags or tied plastic garbage bags, so they won’t be ruined by rain or flood water.
Usable. Make sure you know how to use everything in your kit, and that the supplies are of good quality. Don’t weigh down your kit with junk.
Divisible. Provide a backpack or portable container for each family member, in case you get separated.
Personalized. No commercial kit or generic supply list will completely provide for the unique needs of your family. You will need to adjust the contents and check them frequently to make sure your current needs such as medications, baby supplies, and so forth, are met.
Versatile. Make sure your kit contains supplies for sheltering at home as well as for evacuation.
As far as what you put in a 72-Hour Kit, it all depends upon each individual family, but may contain some of the following:
Food and Water: A three-day supply of no-cook foods and water such as crackers, canned tuna, sardines, canned juice, candy and infant needs.
Bedding and Clothing: Change of clothing (shirts, pants),undergarments, raincoats, blankets and sheets.
Fuel and Light: Flashlights, lamps (don"t forget batteries) candles/flares, lighter, water-proof matches.
Equipment: Can opener, dishes and utensils, radio (with batteries), pen and paper, pocket knife, rope, floaters (in case of flood).
Personal supplies and medication: First aid kit and supplies, prescription medication for three days, toiletries, sanitary napkins, toothbrush, cleaning supplies.
Personal documents and money: Genealogy records, legal documents, vaccination papers, insurance policies, cash, credit card and prepaid phone cards. (Place items in a water-proof container.)
Special supplies could include a child's favorite toy to provide comfort and entertainment during a stressful time for children.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites people to check its website on family emergency preparedness at www.providentliving.org. For further information, please contact the Church Public Affairs office at hffajardo@ldschurch.org.