Emergency Packs

Commonly called 72 hour kits, but in my house, I have prepared an "emergency pack" for everyone in our family. 

You can find "traditional" kits at army/navy stores, or emergency sites for over $100 per person.  Many of those kits can be full of very useful things, but with any other pre-packaged kits, they will also include items that will be "over kill" for the needs of most families, containing food that most children would refuse to eat, even in an emergency.  I don't know many who want to spend $100+ per kit for an emergency that (hopefully) may not happen.

Several years ago I took a month and focused on emergency preparedness for my family.  My total cost for 4 packs was well under $100, and it contains things that I know will be of use for my family no matter when (or if) the items are needed.

Each person has an individualized back pack with their supplies.  I have labeled the packs by a large piece of duct tape and have written the name, number, and address of each person.  My daughters' packs also have their parents names on them.  As the parents we have more supplies in our bags, but the girls do have the basics in theirs, and they are small and light enough, that they can carry them without a problem.

The basics of our are in zip lock bags inside our packs, and include:

Juice box
Water bottle(s)

Fruit snacks

Ensure type of drink

Wet wipes

T-shirt, pair of sweats, and socks

Emergency blanket

Oatmeal packets

Wash cloth

Sharpie

Travel sized lotion
Travel sized tooth paste
Travel sized deodorant
Travel hand sanitizer
Travel container with Q-tips

Flashlight with batteries (not in it)

Individual drink mixes

Toothbrush

Lip balm

Floss

Poncho

Band aids

Roll of toilet paper

Spare disposable contacts and solution

Various candies (non melting)

Sunscreen stick

Hair elastics

Compact mirror and brush set

Granola Bars

Crackers
Soap (in plastic container)

The girls' packs also include:

Small toys
Composition book

Crayons
Mini Play Dough

We are beyond the diaper phase, but if your children are of that age, they would need to be included as well.

Adult Packs Also Include:

Matches

Scissors (can be used to cut clothes into shorts and short sleeved shirts as necessary for the weather)

Family Rx medications

Family vitamins

Cough drops

Ibuprofen

Shampoo and Conditioner

$15 cash

Contact and solution

Leatherman

10 4 gallon plastic bags, in compact packaging

Multi-use tool: compass, thermostat, whistle, mirror, magnifying glass, flashlight

Hand crank radio and ear buds

Hand crank flashlight
Now that we have a pet, I will need to include food for him as well.

We also have another pack filled with more water and a comprehensive first aid kit.

These backpacks were all extras that we had around the house, so there was no cost.  We keep them on hooks in the stairway to our unfinished basement.  This way they are accessible to grab in a hurry if necessary.

Periodic updating of these packs is necessary for items such as:
Clothing (sizes for the growing children)
Any food or beverages with expiration dates
Rx medications based on the current needs of the family

Many of these items I got for free because of combining sales and coupons, and certainly all Travel sized items are very easy to get free because of coupons.

No, these packs may not include EVERYTHING that we could ever possibly need in any level of emergency, but I am very comfortable with the level of preparedness that I have achieved for my family.

Ideally, Emergency Packs should contain the most valuable items in any level of emergency, without taking up a lot of room or draining your savings!