Emergency Preparedness

72-Hour Emergency Kit

The Asotin County Health District has recommended that families prepare a 72-hour kit to be used in case of a community-wide emergency. A 72-hour kit can be assembled inside a milk carton, sealed and kept for 2 years in a dry environment. The following is a list of supplies. One kit is needed for each family member.

Materials needed:

  • 1 two-liter pop container with water
  • 1 half-gallon milk carton
  • Food items as listed below
  • Stapler, duct tape, scissors

Contents:

  • 2 packages chewing gum
  • 2 packages hot chocolate mix
  • 1 1/2 cups trail mix
  • 2 sticks beef jerky
  • 2 packages apple cider mix
  • 1 small can apple juice
  • 4 granola bars
  • 14 pieces hard candy
  • 2 fruit rolls
  • 3 packages soda crackers
  • 1 can hearty soup
  • 2 instant soup packets
  • 1 two-liter pop container filled with water

Menu:

Day One -

Breakfast: 2 granola bars, one can juice

Lunch: 1 pkg soup mix, 1 pkg soda crackers

Dinner: 1 stick beef jerky, 1 fruit roll

Snacks: 4 pieces candy, 3 sticks gum

Day Two -

Breakfast: 1/2 of the trail mix, hot chocolate

Lunch: 1 stick beef jerky, 1 apple cider mix

Dinner: canned soup, 1 pkg soda crackers

Snacks: 5 pieces candy, 4 sticks gum

Day Three -

Breakfast: 1/2 of the trail mix, 1 apple cider mix

Lunch: 1 pkg soup mix, 1 pkg soda crackers

Dinner: 2 granola bars, 1 fruit roll, 1 hot chocolate mix

Snacks: 4 pieces candy, 3 sticks gum

Wash and dry milk cartons completely or purchase unused cartons. Put the cans into the cartons first, then add the drink and souop packets diagonally. Stuff the granola bars, gum, jerky, trail mix, and fruit rolls in around the cans. The candy can be strewn throughout the carton, filling any small gaps. Tuck the gum into gaps or wedges wherever it will fit. (The crackers will undoubtedly be crushed, but since they will be eaten in the soup, it doesn't matter).

When the carton is packed full (and it will be a very tight fit), staple the top of the carton shut. It's easiest to have someone hold the top shut while you staple it. Next, tape the top with duct tape, and then strap the filled pop bottle to teh carton with the duct tape. Tape a contents list and a menu to each carton and record the assembly date.

Your kit is now completed. List the assembly date and rotate the kits every two years so that the food retains its nutritional value and remains fresh.

Resource: www.lightplanet.com