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Tips for packing an emergency preparedness kit?

We're repacking our 72 hour kits and trying to ensure that they will be useful to us if we do need to use them. What are some tips that we should remember? What should we make sure to include? What should we not include?

My husband and I do have an 18 month old toddler, so weight and ease of carrying are essential in case we have to carry our toddler and his kit.

I know this isn't really related to camping, but I'm hoping that campers will have some suggestions on what essentials to include and how to pack them.

Public Comments

1. Be sure you have copies of your important legal papers. Tylenol and any daily meds. Pain reliever for the baby. Water/purifying tabs. Wipes.
Crackers. Hard candy. Knife. Matches. Rope. Flashlite. Small mirror.

2. Get rid of any canned stuff. Put any dated stuff on the top so you can change it out. Try to get stuff that serves several purposes like magazines. They are good for reading to pass the time, splints and fire starters.

Make sure you know how to use any equipment you have. Too often I see stuff in a kit that is still in its packaging. An emergency is a bad time to figure out how to use your stove or radio.

Go to the local red cross web site they will have good info for your area.

3. Most of the time, your 72 hour kit will travel with you in your car. So, weight is not a problem there. If you have to hike out, then you have to consider weight in relationship to your physical condition. I would suggest using a "lawn wagon."

Home Depot and Lowe's has the wagon to assist with yard work. Since they are designed to carry weight (fertilizer, potted plants), I intend to purchase one for my family. I would think it would be easier to pull a wagon with some extra water and food, and maybe carry a small day pack, then to carry the whole load on your back.