Basic 72-Hour Kits / Bug Out Bags

So I keep hearing "I know I need to get a 72-hour kit, I just don't have the money to start."  This is a very poor excuse and will end up biting you in the rear when a disaster hits.  Look at NYC last month when Hurricane Sandy hit.  Disasters can strike at any time.

So I have put together a list of the most BASIC 72-Hour Kit / Bug Out Bag items.  This kit is probably the most important piece of survival supplies you could own.  I have prepared two list.  The first I consider the main essentials.  Most of the items can be located around the home.  So start collecting and put them together.  Remember to put a bag together for each member of the family.

Also, look through and update your kits every six months.. put i on your calendar so you don't forget.  Your main items to update would be medications, batteries, expired food of water, clothing.

BARE BONES BASIC 72-HOUR KIT / BUG OUT BAG - Backpack (you need a place to put all your goodies) - Bag Identifier (find something to distinguish the different bags, colors, bandannas) - Water (at least 4 liters per person) - Food (3 day supply per person.  You need foods that don't need to be refrigerated or cooked. Some examples: 3600 calorie meal bar, protein/granola bars, trail mix/dried fruit, crackers/cereals (for munching), canned tuna, beans, meat, Vienna sausages.  Try to stay away from pop-top lids, they can leak.  Jerky is good, but the flavor can also mix with everything else.  Unless you don't mind chewing jerky flavored gum.) - Baby Formula (if necessary) - 1 liter Water Container - Water purification tablets / Drops - Hard Candy/Gum (Jolly ranchers, mints, LifeSavers) - Change of Clothing (short  & long sleeve shirts, pants, socks, jackets, undergarments) - Rain Coat / Pancho - Flashlights (I like headlamps because its leaves my hands free) - Candles / Glow Stick (It's always good to have a second source of light so you don't waste your batteries.  Candles can also supply heat.) - Lighter / Water Proof Matches - Fire starting materials (magnesium stick, cotton balls, dryer lint, petroleum jelly) - Small Radio - Batteries for radio and flashlight - Pocket knife / survival knife - Multi-tool - Safety whistle - Duct Tape - Rope (550 cord is probably the best.  Its super light, and super strong) - First Aid Supplies - Sun block - Hand Sanitizes - Toiletries / Hygiene Products (tooth brush, paste, deorderant, soap, toilet paper, feminine products, brush, hair ties) - Medications (prescriptions, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, anti-diarrhea - Extra pair of glasses - Cash - Pen and Paper - Copies of important documents in water-proof container (ID's, insurance cards, birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, immunizations, church records, list of phone numbers) - Garbage bag - Ziploc bags - Toys for small kids - Poker cards or other Card Games for teenagers and adults SOME MORE ITEMS TO ADD AFTER YOU GET THE BASICS - Camping Axe - Folding Shovel - Weapon (if you pack a firearm, make sure to pack extra ammunition) - Magnesium stick - Fried dried meals / MRE's - Canned Juice - Utensils - Cooking / Mesh Kits - Can Opener - Boy Scout cooking stove - Tarp / Mini Tube Tent - Fishing lures and line - Bug repellent - Maps - Iodine Tablets IN ADDITION TO YOUR 72-HOUR KITS / BUG OUT BAGS, KEEP THESE CLOSE BY - Sleeping Bags - Sleeping Bags - Pillow