Thanks
PS – we lived in Jodi's home ward in Orem about 5 years ago – we didn't know her very well (she had already gone to college) but I had her sister Jessica in YW, and took piano from her as well – we loved her family!! I just realized that this is you – after watching the 72 hour kit video! I was so excited…

We plan to check and rotate our kits twice a year, using the anniversary of Sept. 11th as the first date and then six months later is March 11. I store our kits in a closet so they do not get too hot or too cold, and this will make them last longer than if they are in the garage or car. No worries about things melting or whatever.

People need to modify this so it fits their family's needs – dietary restrictions, calorie needs, etc. I think it helps to be sure to have food that your kids are familiar with and will like – that is going to be a lot less stressful. I like the foods you demonstrated, and it will be fun for us to use them up when we rotate – so food will not go to waste. Yes, military rations are a good choice too, for many reasons, but my kids are probably more likely to eat the beanie weenies and fruit snacks. It's an individual choice.

I do think people should keep in mind that the suggestions you gave are much better than doing nothing! If you are worried about certain things, cooking in a can, or whatever, then modify it for your own use. Personally, I feel that re-using a can for a couple of days is just fine, but I did include a small cook pot in the “family” bag. It's cold here in the winter and we would prefer to have warm food if possible.

Keep up the good work, ladies!

Many companies out there put out a premade 72 hour kit that is very hard to beat financially considering their shelf life, and these are far more durable than a taped up milk jug with some other useful supplies to boot, such as long term shelf stable water packets and some survival goodies.

There's no better way for a person to avoid thinking about it too much, not to mention per 5 years, the cost of one 3600 calorie marine ration = a fraction of the cost especially if you calculate inflation and frequency of rotation.

I do like the idea of putting your own kit together, the one thing it does promote is for people to start thinking about what they need to do, but i wonder if a 72 hour food only preparedness kit is the way to go with that.

Just constructive stuff here, hope it helps in future plans.

All these items should be in your food storage also.

“Just wanted to let you know about some info I found while getting stuff for my 72 hr kits. Mint gum and strong soaps can flavor your other food. Some hard candy, like jolley ranchers, can melt. Also, the “pop-top” lids are not as strong and some people have found they’ve exploded.”

These warnings are on almost every 72-hour kit preparation article I have found. You should revise your shopping list not to include them.

I purchased several wing stoves(not from where you suggested) and they arrived today. I tried them out, not lit of course. I cannot get an 10 oz can to sit on it properly like in your video. What would be your advice?

Thank you!

Here in Jersey we don’t have the huge supermarkets that you have in the US or UK, and the ones that we do have don’t all have warehousing on the island, which menas we are very vulnerable if the cargo ships don’t get in for some reason.

To this end our Food Storage rep has bought some UK military ration packs. You can get these in various sizes and for our 72hr kits we have 3 each. The food in these kits can be eaten cold or hot, and there is enough to sustain one person for one day, with each kit having two hot and one cold meal – including a dessert. They also contain tissues, sweets and chocolate, tea and coffee for those that drink it and waterproof matches. The food is ‘boil in the bag’ so the only extras you need are a stove and water.

I would recommend these or similar US kits to anyone. Although they are more expensive than putting it all together yourself it is a quick way of starting your 72hour kits.

Katie

If they needed to get water from the stream they would empty the pipe, fill it with water & bring it back to camp.
Just an Idea, I thought was interesting.
Anyway, like Jodi says…
“Doing SOMETHING is better than NOTHING!”
Godspeed

Thanks to taking the time to share and do the videos
Judi

I’ve been wanting to put together emergency kits and store food for quite awhile…thank you so much for your ideas!

My only question is: do you (or anyone) have ideas for emergency kits for infants/young children.

Give me 10 days or so & send me an email. todd@ekillerdeals.com
I will give you the list I have once I research the products fully. I like companies that make their own products completely & not getting peanut butter from…. well you get the Idea. I look forward to conversing about Toddler food.

Stage 3 jarred baby food would be easy enough to add for toddlers, and they have quite a variety in plastic so they’re not too heavy. You might want to keep formula and a sippy cup for toddlers, even those who have outgrown regular use of formula, since it’s a complete source of nutrition. Cheerios would be a good addition for the little ones as well, although not as compact as some other options.

My only question is: do you (or anyone) have ideas for emergency kits for infants/young children. We are due this May and she won’t be able to eat any of the stuff for awhile. I understand that I can just breastfeed/formula for awhile, but I mean that in between time…after formula but before protein bars?? I can think of some basics…diapers, wipes, etc. but there are always things people don’t think of.

Vera, I’ve kept mine in the same milk cartons for about 3 years now. I’m too lazy to clean and cut new ones. I live in Utah so it’s not as hot as Arizona, but the only problem I had was some of my jolly ranchers melting to the sides.

Thanks sweeties!

I love your blog! Thanks for all the great tips.