Most people have at least heard that they should have a 72-hour kit. Based on an assessment of the most current data estimating the extent of damage to transportation corridors and critical infrastructure in the Salt Lake Valley, it is estimated that after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, which is the expected magnitude of the next earthquake in the Salt Lake City segment of the Wasatch Fault, it will be at least 96 hours before resources from outside the area begin to arrive.
For a printable version of a comprehensive list Vist- FEMA’s LIST
Make a Plan
To assemble a proper 96-hour kit consider the following “must do” points:
- Have enough food for 96 hours
- Light weight
- Appropriate for dietary needs/restrictions
- Based on caloric intake needs for climate, level of physical exertion
- Have enough water for 96 hours
- The basic guideline is 1 gallon of water per person per day
- At roughly 8 lbs per gallon, if you will have to be mobile consider it is just as important to have a sufficient means to filter water
- Age, physical conditioning, health issues, weather, geography, and level of physical exertion effect your intake requirements
- Have an appropriate first aid kit
- Make sure antibiotic ointments and other items are not expired
- Have a sufficient assortment of bandages and gauze
- Have medical tape and shears
- Have medical gloves
- Have proper amounts of any required medications
- Consider whether medications need to be kept cool
- Temperature fluctuations affect all medications
- Consult with your doctor about getting additional medications for your emergency kit
- Have appropriate clothing for geographic location, climate, and time of year.
- Make sure clothing is in good condition, fits properly, and is appropriate for conditions
- Have clothing in your kit that allows for layering
- Proper footwear is part of your clothing, again, make sure it is appropriate for conditions
- Have sufficient hygiene items
- In a situation were you are having to use your emergency kit, conditions are obviously less than ideal. Improper hygiene can make an already bad situation worse if you become ill
- Include mouthwash, tooth paste, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, soap, etc.
- Have some form of lighting
- The newer LED lights are brighter, use less power, bulbs last longer, and are lighter weight than conventional lights
- Include extra batteries in your kit
- Consider solar powered/rechargeable lighting
- Have proper tools for opening and preparing food as well as repairing/maintaining your equipment/clothing
- A good quality “multi-tool” will include many of the tools you need
- A small sewing kit is a good addition
- Based on the items in your kit determine what tools are appropriate. However, keep weight in mind.
- Have a radio
- A basic AM/FM radio is good. One that includes NOAA weather channels is better.
- Know what stations to listen to for emergency alerts and information
- Include extra batteries in your kit
- Consider solar-powered/rechargeable radio or power source
You should also prepare a survival kit for your home and include your pets