First Aid Kits / 72 Hour Disaster Kits

Caregivers resource for disaster and first aid kit information

72 Hour Emergency Kit

The 72 Hour Emergency Kit should be individually tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family for three days to a week. Families should store their emergency supplies in one location that is relatively safe, yet easily accessible if evacuation is required. Items may be stored in a 32-gallon trash can, suitcase, duffle bag, backpack, footlocker or individual pack.

These items  are recommended for your 72  Hour Emergency kit.

 Emergency Needs:

  • Battery Powered Radio

  • First Aid Kit & Manual

  • Sleeping Bags & Blankets (wool & thermal)

  • Manual Can Opener

  • Waterproof/Windproof Matches

  • Non-Perishable Foods

  • Flashlight

  • Water Storage (1 gal./day)

  • Water purification tablets

  • Utility Knife

  • Emergency Candles

  • Extra Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses

  • Essential Medications

  • Extra Clothing

First Aid Kit
 Almost everyone will need to use a first aid kit at some time. Take the time to prepare a kit to have available for home and travel. First aid kits may be basic or comprehensive. What you need depends on your medical training and how far you are from professional medical help. A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have. To be prepared for emergencies, keep a first aid kit in your home and in your car.

Assemble or purchase a kit for your home and one for each car.


• (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes
• (1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing.
• (1) conforming roller gauze bandage.
• (2) triangular bandages.
• (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.
• (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.
• (1) roll 3" cohesive bandage.
• (2) germicidal hand wipes
• (6) antiseptic wipes.
• (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves.
• Adhesive tape, 2" width.
• Anti-bacterial ointment.
• Cold pack.
• Scissors (small, personal).
• Tweezers.
• CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.

 

Suggested non-perishable food items:

  • Ready-to-eat goods in unbreakable containers
  • canned meats, juice, fruits & vegetables
  • powdered milk, infant care foods
  • crackers, peanut butter
  • freeze-dried & dehydrated goods.

Other Emergency Needs:

  • Pen & Paper
  • Money
  • Address & Phone Numbers
  • Work Gloves
  • Basic Tools
 

 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and  the Ready America website have checklists and information on emergency kits, first aid kits and emergency planning.