GENERAL SUPPLIES - Preparedness (72hr List)

by Holly Deyo / Noah's Ark

This list has been whittled to bare essentials for three days' survival. Many other items would certainly be nice, but for those on a strict budget, plan your gear around these core items. Any
additional supplies can be added to suit personal taste and budget. Where quantities aren't noted, assume only one of this item is needed. Suggested amounts are for one person only, especially in the area of water consumption. The exception to this rule is the First Aid Kit. These medical items were planned with a small family in mind. They can be divided between the adults or maintained in one central kit.

72-hour survival kits should be packed and kept in your car. If disaster strikes while you are home, chances are you can get to your vehicle. If a crisis occurs while you are traveling, even to the grocery store, your survival supplies are already on board.

If you have a spouse, he or she should be carrying an identical pack in his/her car. Provisions for children and pets need to be included. If children are not of driving age or don't have their own car, supplies for them should be kept in your vehicle. Many items for children need not be duplicated like a compass, tools or much of the camping gear, but each person must have the daily recommended amount of water and food.

When we lived in Colorado, during the winter months meteorologists periodically reminded people to always keep in the car: water, candles, matches, chocolate, extra blankets, energy bars and peanut butter. Expecting the unexpected became embedded in our brains. In
minutes a heavy, wet "white-out" (snow) could drop from the mountains, blind and strand motorists. Preparation was merely good common sense. This is much the same theory with a few embellishments. Always plan for worst case scenario.

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General Supplies (72hr List)
Updated 10 May 1998

Camping Gear

* Candles, enough for 36 hours use
* First Aid Kit (see list)
* Foam Pads to go under sleeping bag, bedroll, etc.
* Lighter
* Light sticks (12 hour,) three
* Mosquito Netting
* Plastic Sheeting
* Prescriptions for current medications
* Sleeping Bag, Bedroll, Swag or Wool Blankets
* Space Blanket (reflects up to 90% of your body heat and only weighs 20 oz or 500g)
* Trash Bags, Extra (heaviest and largest available for extra misc. uses)
* Tube Tent
* Waterproof Matches, two boxes

Carrying Items

* Backpack for supplies
* Five Gallon (20 liter) Pail with Lid
* Water Canteen with Strap

Clothing

* Complete Change of Clothing*
* Current prescription glasses
* Dust Masks, three Extra
* Rain Poncho OR Rubberized Parka and Rain Pants (oversized to allow for clothes layering)
* Sturdy boots and Heavy Socks
* Sunglasses
* Underwear, 2 sets
* Work Gloves, heavy duty
*The majority of people will need to consider seasonal changes. Every season, make sure to update your stored change of clothes for the appropriate weather conditions. For winter, include
coats, hats, gloves, thermal underwear, snow boots and clothes for layering.

Communication Items

* $200 in cash and change (during disasters, charge cards and checks will not be honored)
* Compass of good quality (these are expensive but necessary)
* Map of your local area
* Notepad
* Pencil, Pen
* Phone numbers and addresses of friends/family
* Pre-addressed, stamped postcards of friends and family out-of-state
* Signal Flares, three (these are not legal in Australia)
* Signal Mirror
* Signal Whistle
*Money is always hard to tuck away and pretend it isn't there, but in this instance, it is a necessity. One can't assume to put expenditures on credit cards during a crisis. Think about it.
Whenever you make a purchase, it is always verified by a telephoned authorization number. If phone lines are down and these numbers are not obtainable, chances are your purchase won't be allowed.

Infant Supplies (if applicable)

* Baby Powder
* Blanket , spare
* Bottles, spare
* Diapers, disposable
* Formula
* Lotion
* Pre-Moistened Towelettes
* Teething Ring
* Toys

Latrine And General Hygiene

* Disinfectant
* Liquid Bleach and Eyedropper
* Sponge
* Surgical Gloves, three pair (these are inexpensive and can be obtained in discount stores)
* Toilet Paper, two rolls flattened
* Towelettes, pre-moistened, box
* Trash Bags (three, for human waste and misc. rubbish)

Miscellaneous

* Ammunition if a firearm is selected
* Bible
* Book for Pleasure Reading
* Certified copies of*:

* Deck of Playing Cards
* Firearm for Protection (personal choice item)
* Magnifying Glass
* Paper Clips
* Rubber Bands
* Safety Pins, assorted sizes
* Survival Manual

Personal Hygiene

* Body/Hand Lotion
* Comb and Brush
* Dental Floss
* Deodorant
* Liquid Soap for personal washing
* Premoistened Towelettes
* Shampoo
* Tampons/Sanitary napkins
* Toothbrush
* Toothpaste
* Tweezers, pointed
* Wash Cloth and Towel

Pet Care (if applicable)

* Food and Food Bowl
* Leash and Collar
* Muzzle
* Toys or Chew Bone
* Water Bowl
* Water, one gallon (4 liters) per dog per day. For a cat, it is about 1 pint.*
*(Even if it is a small animal, plan on the unexpected. SOMEBODY will undoubtedly spill their day's ration and the pet's water can be used in extreme emergency.)

Senior Care (if applicable)

* Denture Care Items
* Batteries, extra (for hearing aids)
* Eye Glasses
* Heart and/or Blood Pressure Medications
* Oxygen, Portable (extra tanks and hoses is this is required)
* Prescriptions
* Special Dietary Items
* Warmer Clothing (generally the elderly have trouble with poor circulation and get cold easier.)

Tools and Handyman Items

* Flashlight (extra batteries, spare bulb)
* Folding Shovel
* Hatchet
* Multi-Purpose Tool with knife, pliers, screwdrivers
* Needles and Thread, select several needles with large and regular-sized eyes
* Nylon Rope (100' or 30 meters)
* Radio (solar, hand cranked or battery powered; if battery, include extra batteries)
* Roll of Duct Tape (this has innumerable uses)
* Swiss Army Knife
* Twine/String (100' or 30 meters)
* Vise Grips

Please direct any questions or comments to: Holly Deyo
Noah's Ark - http://www.millennium-ark.net/News_Files/Hollys.html

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