Build your emergency kits 1 week at a time. These will eventually be placed into multiple bags or storage bins that you will label. Week 12 you will make lists for various family members to each grab certain bags or items in your house in case you need to leave your home with very little notice. These bags are intended to maintain your life for 72 hours if you are trapped and alone. Some bags may be created to save family heirlooms and photos. I store these photo bags in a fire safe. Each family member will need a G.O.O.D. backpack and 3 minute kit. Once you have made your emergency kits, it’s best to go through them annually or when the weather changes in the fall and spring. Build the following kits each week. Download the 72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist linked in the YouTube Video.

Week 1: Make a “3 Minute Kit” (See handout) & get items listed under “Water” on 72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist.

Week 2: 72 Hour Food handout. I place each day’s food into a gallon Ziploc bag and place a list of what to eat each day in the bag.

Week 3: Get items listed under “Clothing” on 72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist. Split the items into 3 groups. 1: Winter clothes go into a bag labeled “Winter.” 2: Summer hats & fans go into a bag labeled “Summer.” 1 change of clothes will go into another bag that you will create next week.

Week 4: Make your G.O.O.D. #1 (Get out of dodge) Bags: See Handout. Just put a tiny First Aid Kit into this bag. We will do the Walkie Talkie and Contact List later.

Week 5: Get items listed under “First Aid” on 72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist and put them in a red bag labeled First Aid.

Week 6: Get items listed under “Communications” on 72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist.

Week 7: Get items listed under “Hygiene” on 72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist.

Week 8: Get items listed under “Shelter” on 72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist. Place them in an easy to reach location.

Week 9: Get items listed under “Equipment and Tools” on 72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist. Put these items along with your communications and hygiene items in a storage bin labeled “Food & Cooking.”

Week 10: Get items listed under “Light & Fuel” on 72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist. Put these into the “Food & Cooking” Bin.

Week 11: Get items listed under “Other” on 72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist. Follow the Personal Documents Handout and fill out an Emergency Contact List. This binder can go in a safe or a bookshelf. Don’t forget to grab it in an emergency.

Week 12: Create a Flood Grab List, using mine as reference. I cut mine out and laminated each person’s list. In an emergency I will give each person his/her list. The lists are taped to my closet door so I will see them.