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72 Hour or Go Kit

Disaster Planning Is Up To You.. Main Content
Release date: March 30, 2007.
Release Number: 1686-030.CORDELE, Ga.
The recent severe storms and tornadoes that ravaged southwest Georgia should serve as a reminder to all Georgia residents that each household needs to have a disaster preparedness plan, said officials at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The first 72 hours after a disaster are critical. Electricity, gas, water and telephones may not be working. In addition, public safety services such as police and fire departments may not be able to reach you immediately during a serious crisis. Each person should be prepared to be self-sufficient - able to live without running water, electricity and/or gas, and telephones - for at least three days following a disaster. To do so, keep the following on hand and rotate supplies to keep them fresh:

Food: Maintain enough nonperishable food for each person for at least 72 hours.
Water: Store enough so each person has a gallon a day for 72 hours, preferably for one week. Store in airtight containers and replace it every six months. Store disinfectants such as iodine tablets or chlorine bleach, eight drops per gallon, to purify water if necessary.
First aid kit: Make sure it is well stocked, especially with bandages and disinfectants.
Fire extinguisher: Your fire extinguisher should be suitable for all types of fires. Teach all family members how to use it.
Flashlights with extra batteries: Keep flashlights beside your bed and in several other locations. Do not use matches or candles until you are certain there are no gas leaks.
Weather Radios: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, with battery backup, portable radio or portable television with extra batteries: Telephones may be out of order or limited to emergency use. The NOAA weather radio, portable radio or portable television may be your best source of information.
Miscellaneous items: Extra blankets, clothing, shoes and money. Wear sturdy shoes just in case you need to walk through rubble and debris.
Alternative cooking sources: Store a barbecue or camping stove for outdoor camping.

Caution: Ensure there are no gas leaks before you use any kind of fire as a cooking source and never use charcoal indoors. Gasoline-powered appliances should be filled away from ignition sources.
Special items: Have at least 72 hours of medications and food for infants and those with special needs. Don't forget diapers.
Tools: Have an adjustable or pipe wrench for turning off gas and water, and a shovel or broom for cleaning up.
Pets: Assemble an animal emergency supply kit and develop a pet care buddy system with friends or relatives to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be sure each of your pets has a tag with your name and phone number. Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to plan for your pets.

Pay attention to directions from emergency managers, police and others and obey instructions in the event of an evacuation. Obtain a NOAA weather radio to receive alerts and learn the language of weather warnings.

Red Cross 72 Hour Survival List:

WATER:
- 3 Gallons per person
BASIC SUPPLIES:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Portable radio with batteries
- Fire extinguisher
- Utility shutoff wrench
- Pocket knife
- Duct tape
- Matches
- Light sticks
- Candles
- Emergency or space blankets
- Wool blankets
- Plastic sheeting
- Tarp and 50 ft. nylon rope
- Eating utensils and tin cups
- Paper cups
- Plastic buckets
- Garbage bags and ties
- Toilet paper
- Campstove and extra fuel
- Tri-fold shovel
FOOD:
- Instant coffee and tea
- Hot chocolate instant mix
- Energy bars
- Chow mein
- Spaghetti with mushrooms
- Canned soups
- Flour
- Stew
- Applesauce
- Rice
- Mixed seasonings
- Pancake mix
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Multiple vitamins
- Canned juices
- Tuna fish
- Unsalted crackers
- Sugar
CLOTHING:
- Long sleeve wool shirt
- Tee shirt
- Heavy shoes
- Gloves
- Rain gear
- Three pair of socks
- Scarf
- Denim pants
- Hat
- Three sets of underwear
PERSONAL:
- Bar of hand soap
- Liquid detergent
- Tooth brush and gel
- Shampoo
- Brush and comb
- Disposable razor
- Hand mirror
- Sewing kit
- Spare glasses
- Hand towel
- Tissues
- Towelettes
- Medications
FIRST AID KIT: A complete first aid kit for 72 hour home use is listed below. Remember to include any prescription medications that your family takes along with a written list of prescriptions, allergies, and doctors. If you wear eye glasses, contact lenses or dentures, include and extra pair in the kit. The most important item that you can include in your medical kit is a good first aid manual.

The following is for family use only and should not be considered a complete list for NET operations:
- Kerlex, Kling or any other brand of roller bandage (6 rolls) used to wrap over dressings and to secure splints
- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- Sanitary napkins used to control excessive bleeding
- 1 and 2 inch adhesive tape (1 roll each) used to secure bandages
- Bandaids (1 box assorted types)
- Triangular bandage (3) used to secure broken arms, shoulder dislocations or as a wrap for splints. Can be purchased or made from old sheets.
- Ace bandage for wrapping sprains (1)
- Sterile water (1 quart) used to flush wounds and cool burns
- Antiseptic solution (1 bottle) used to clean wounds
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Sterile needle for splinters
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Latex gloves (2 pair)
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid
- Syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting, if advised by poison control.
- Sunscreen
- Tube of petroleum jelly
- Cleaning agent/soap
- Moistened towelettes or baby wipes
- Assorted sizes of safety pins.