*I will be crossing items off of this list as I pack them away, so track our family's progress! Once we have finished our kit, I'll uncheck everything and keep the list as part of my blog. Good luck!
Notes:
- Update your kit every 6 months (make a note of this in your calendar or planner) to make sure that your food, water, medications are not expired, clothing fits, personal documents and credit cards are up to date and batteries are fresh.
- Small toys and games can be important too! They can provide comfort and entertainment during stressful times.
- Older children can make their own pack! Or, they can at least help you pack a big one for the family.
- Be sure to pack items you know your family needs in particular, each family is different, so if your family has twinkies for dessert, pack 'em!
- Keep in mind that some things may leak or "flavor" other other items, or break open. Dividing items into groups and putting them into individual ziplock bags might help to prevent this, or at least minimize messes.
- CAR: We've been advised to have AT LEAST half of a tank of gas in our cars at all times. If there is no way to get gas in your area, you will need at least half a tank to get yourself anywhere.
- 3 day supply of food and water PER PERSON. Make sure food is ready to eat in case there is no refrigeration or cooking available.
Protein, granola bars.- Trail mix, dried fruit.
Crackers/cereals for munching.Powdered milk.Canned tuna, beans, meat.- Bottled/canned juice.
CandiesWATER: 1 gallon or 4 liters per person
- Change of clothing, short and long sleeve shirts, pants, socks, jackets, etc.
- Undergarments.
- Rain coat, poncho.
- Blankets, small pillows.
- Cloth sheet, plastic sheet.
- Can opener (you MUST have this, you will be sorry without it!).
- Dishes, utensils.
- Shovel.
- Radio with batteries.
- Pen/paper.
- Small axe.
- Pocket knife.
- Rope.
- Duct tape.
- First Aid Kit (Basic: isopropyl alcohol, band aides, gauze, A&D ointment, hydrogen peroxide, ace bandage, benadryl, tylenol, motrin, needle and thread). If you have anyone with severe allergies, you need to have an emergency Epi pen in your first aid kit.
- Toiletries: Roll of toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner, hand sanitizer.
- Towels and washcloths.
- Prescription medications for anyone in the family using them, enough for 3 days.
- Make sure all of the following are in plastic bags!
- Small set of scriptures (miniature ones are perfect).
- Copy of patriarchial blessings.
- Copy of legal documents: Birth, Marriage certificates, wills, passports, contracts.
- Vaccination papers, insurance policies.
- Pre-paid phone cards.
- Credit card.
- Cash: Make sure you have plenty of singles and smaller bills and coins, there may be a need for this and if you only have a 50 dollar bill, you are out of luck!
- Infant needs: diapers, formula (if necessary), diaper cream, pacifiers, baby food, baby cereal.
*If it all seems too intimidating, make it a step by step project. Every Monday for Family Home Evening, pick a category to find/buy and pack away, make it a scavenger hunt! Print off the list and check items off as you pack the items away.
Pictures of my progress:
The items I have included for the food portion of our kit, I can fit them all into a small diaper box so they don't get all banged around...I'll post a picture of that soon!
A picture of the items after I packed them into a diaper box, they actually fit perfectly. The large items like bowls of oatmeal and cereal and powdered milk I left out. It's starting to come together! And check out the size of this bag! This sucker is GIANT! I'm not sure where Kris got these all those years ago, but I am pretty sure they would qualify for hockey bags?
