Getting Started

Examine Your Probabilities

The first step in building a practical 72-hour kit is knowing what your most likely use case will be. Here in Utah, the last few years have shown us that the most likely scenario we might find ourselves in is wildfire or earthquake. I've been involved in evacuation hundreds of homes due to wildfires in the past couple years. In these instances, the families were generally advised to go stay with nearby family or many were sent to evacuation shelters. So, for those folks, determining what you might need when evacuating to a shelter might be the best practical kit. (Or at least a good starting point.)

Those who are likely to be affected by an earthquake would want to make sure they had other items, as well. A stronger need for things like dust makes, gas shutoff tools, etc might be desired. Those who want to have a kit in their car at all times might have even different needs. (As well as different needs for upkeep!)

And of course, the area you live in might help define what you should have. Do you live in the dry, hot desert? Do you mostly have to deal with rain and staying dry? Do you live in an area where your biggest challenge might be staying warm if you have to spend some time outside? Are you likely to get stranded in a snowstorm? (If you are, I hope you have a kit in your car at all times.) All these things should be considered. (Also, we strongly recommend that you at least have the basic items that every kit should have, regardless of your customized needs.)

Consider Your Specific Needs

Once you've laid the groundwork for your most likely scenario, you should start determining your immediate needs and those of your family. If you're a single 21 year old avid hiker, your kit(s) will probably look vastly different from that of a 42 year old father of 5. Do you need a favorite stuffed animal to keep a toddler happy? How about some crayons and paper to keep younger kids happy? If you have an infant, you might need to plan for diapers, formula, etc.

We suggest taking a good, hard look at what your family uses in a 3 day stretch under normal circumstances and determine what of those things are must-haves and what of them can be done without.

Make a List

As you start to get a plan together for the things you need, make a list. Put the list in a visible place so that you can be reminded of it often, and you can add things to it as you think of them. A shared digital list is great if you are collaborating with your family. Have a family night and discuss the list with the kids - you never know how they might surprise you with their own insights. Maintain the list, check things off as you go, and before long, your kits will be read to work for you and will be practical for what YOU need.

Make Room

Depending on the size of your family, your 72-hour kits are going to take up space. Possibly quite a bit of space. Find a place to store them where you'll have enough room for everything and you'll always know where they are. If the time to evacuate comes, it's not the time to have to hunt things down.

"Start Where You Stand"

In CERT we have a saying: "Start where you stand." It means to look directly around where you currently are to see where to start helping. When it comes to 72-hour kits, I use it to say "start building your kit with what you already have on hand." There should be plenty of things in your house (such as clothes) that you can start formulating your kit with. Even if something isn't ideal, you can start with it and then replace it later as you are able. Ziplocs, day bags, clothes, matches/lighters, etc - all those things you can use to start assembling a kit today without waiting for the perfect items. Something is always better than nothing. Plus, this will start getting you into the preparation mindset.

Start Adding the Basics

Once you've thought about what you'll probably need in your kit and you've got your list built, start by putting together basic kits with the items provided in our must-haves list. Additionally, you can start putting things together that you already have in your home.