It’s hard not to hear about the California fires right now if you live in the U.S. – even if you live in Maine or as far away as Florida. Our hearts go out to the individuals who are dealing with the trauma of the experience, the reek of the smoke, and the rebuilding of their lives. What they’ve faced (and will continue to face for some time) will be remembered for years.
So what about the rest of us outside of California? Will we be wise and do more than just talk about the experience?
It is impossible to foresee all possible emergencies; but when one is prepared that is not necessary. For example, here are just two possible scenarios that others have experienced where a 72-hour kit could have been most helpful.
One individual spoke of an emergency trip with a family member to the hospital. She was stuck there for days without transportation, money, etc. She would have given anything to have a 72-hour kit during the stay.
Another individual experienced a power outage during a cold streak in her state. Left without power she had no ability to cook the normal way. And she didn’t have food left in her 72-hour kit, because she’d previously eaten it and had not yet replaced it. If it weren’t for a nearby relative, she would have been in a difficult situation indeed.
PUTTING TOGETHER A 72-HOUR KIT.
Putting together a 72-hour kit need not be an overwhelming chore. Start today with these simple steps:
1. Grab a pen and paper.
2. Sit and think: “What have I done since this morning that used household items or foods?” Write those down in a list. For example,
* I showered (therefore, you add to the list – shampoo, body soap, razor)
* I brushed my teeth (therefore, you add to the list – toothbrush, toothpaste)
* I put on deodorant (you add to the list – deodorant)
* I ate breakfast (add to the list – breakfast food)
and so on.
By the end of the day, you now have a 72-hour list – or at least a general idea – of items that would be soothing to have in your kit. Are all these items necessary? Of course not. We can live with very little. But if we’re currently not in a state of emergency, why not be pleasantly prepared? Why not add in things to our kits that comfort and ease us during difficult times? Why not do it today so that our tomorrows can be better?
Putting together a 72-hour kit is not difficult. It basically requires one thing – the gumption to do it. So if you don’t yet have a list, get that pen and paper and start thinking. One day you might be very glad you did!
Absolutely there are other things you’ll want to add (such as birth certificates, insurance proof, negatives to irreplaceable pictures, pet food, etc.). But today at least get the barest of essentials gathered together and thrown into a duffle bag for each of your family members (and animals, if any). Nothing is worse than having less than five minutes to evacuate. Why not take the time today to be ready?
