96-HOUR Kit Suggestions

Below is my personal view of practical components to create a Senior 96-Hour Emergency Kit suitable for On-Foot evacuation.

A money belt (travel stores) can be worn under your clothing to hold cash, personal ID, any certifications (such as CERT, Red Cross, Ham radio), contact list, vital meds in small plastic zip bags, etc.

A fanny pack can be comfortably worn at all times that could hold such things as additional doses of meds, important papers, cell phone, charger, keys, pencil, paper, protein bars (so you have a “food” source at-hand in case you get separated from larger kit components with better food), emergency whistle, lip gloss, lotion, candy, gum, etc. From the belt of the fanny pack you can hang such items as a walkie-talkie, light flashlight, personal water purification filter, face mask, etc.

A grommet belt can be added to attach additional items to your body.

In a light weight back pack, you could put such things as a few bottles or Mylar bags of water, (Emergency Essentials) several heavy plastic bags for solid waste, TP, a few mess supplies (disposable paper plates/plastic utensils for eating a meal), protective gloves, a few basic first-aid and hygiene items.  Nothing heavy.

Carts -- such as duffel bag or back pack on wheels (Shopko), small luggage (Goodwill, DI, Savers), child’s wagon, are very useful for your On-Foot Emergency Kit for carrying water and such items as water, blanket, change of clothes, heavier shoes, better flash light, personal small water filter (Katadyn), protein bars. Include more hygiene and first aid items, more toileting items.

If you can pull a second, sturdier cart, use it to transport water, water and more water, food, more sanitation supplies, cooking implements and sleep gear. Consider a garden cart (Home Depot, garden shops), a tool caddy (Home Depot, etc.), heavy duty dolly (Harbor Freight) with bungie cords (Home Depot), etc.

These Kits are heavy and intended for on-foot use, not for lifting into a vehicle.

Below are suggested items, intended to get you thinking about what you need for your 96-Hour Kit.  This is a project best done gradually.  But do get started now.

WATER: A few small bottles of water are not adequate for your 96-Hour Evacuation Kit. Water is more vital than food, because our kidneys begin to shut down after a few days. One gallon of water/ person/day is the absolute minimum. Experts want us to have more to meet several uses in addition to drinking. (cooking, hydrating food, hygiene, sanitation, first aid). For taste and some nutrition, you might consider adding some cans of coconut water. Remember liquids are heavy -- 8.3lbs per gallon.  Carry in a sturdy cart.

You can purchase water in cases of 24 bottles, gallons, mylar bags or newly available 12 oz. can.  Brands taste differently, so try a few. Tap water is clean and safe. If you create your own water storage, it is essential that you put clean tap water into clean PEET1 plastic containers. (Do not use milk containers).

SANITATION: This is something so crucial it cannot be overstated. In some disasters, including earthquakes, the sewer system fails. If you have read stories of Katrina, Rita, Sandy, Harvey, Lane, etc., you will never trust sanitation needs to chance or leave it to someone else to solve. Your health could well depend upon good sanitation supplies being included in your kits.  Human solid waste is very toxic and must be handled with care. Urine is not toxic.

Sanitation Suggestions: Let’s begin with the most economical: Five/six gallon plastic buckets with a toilet lid made for that purpose. In the bucket pack a supply of sturdy, black, biodegradable plastic bags (and ties) to line the bucket.  Include a deodorizing product, saw dust is light weight, (lumber yard) or kitty litter is very useful, but heavy.  A more costly approach is a portable toilet (such as used in RVs, boats, camping). Two products are made by the company, Reliance: a bio-gel granule that turns waste into gelatinous matter for easier disposal and solid waste bags called Doodie Bags (expensive, but convenient. Consider a privacy tent. (Emergency Essentials.) It flips open into a tall small tent, that is 4’x4’.  You will need a reliable receptacle to collect the used toilet bags.  Consider a galvanized garbage can with a very tight fitting lid.  It is a problem best approached at community level by purchase/placement of large hazmat drums to safely collect used bags.

PERSONAL HYGIENE: It can boost your morale to feel as fresh as possible, but hesitate to use a great deal of water in the effort if you have only brought the minimum. (This is one good reason for three gallons per day instead of one gallon.) You may already have a travel kit that could work, but if not here are some items to consider.

Personal Hygiene Suggestions: 2 Wash clothes one for washing, one for drying, soap, hand sanitizer (small ones that fit in your pocket and maybe a refill bottle that stays in your kit), antiperspirant, tooth brush/paste/floss, tissues, hand cream-vital (frequent hand washing can cause dry, cracked skin), nail clipper & file, a chap stick for pocket and a spare, breath mints,  shampoo (dry is best), a few make-up items/remover, small mirror. Needle/thread and safety pins.

FOOD: Granola, protein bars, nuts, chips, crackers, preserved cheese spread, peanut butter, cookies, little restaurant size packets of honey, jam/jelly, candy and chewing gum are good choices to satisfy hunger. But you may find snacks and treats inadequate as an energy source for 96-hours or longer. More substantial food boosts morale/comfort.

Food Suggestions: General food suggestions that don’t require cooking: Some canned foods; pickled beets, fermented foods, pouch and mylar packaged food, preserved vegetable cups, fruit/pudding cups, etc. Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). Dehydrated or freeze-dried fruit, veggies, meats; dry cereal; powdered peanut butter, milk (some brands taste better). There are advantages and draw-backs to each type of food. Include packets of spices. Salt increases desire/need for water. Consider vitamin/minerals. Don’t be too concerned about nutrition.

For a single person or couple the smaller can sizes makes sense. With no refrigeration, most food items, once opened, need to be consumed, not saved. Pack a manual can opener if you are including cans of food and a pan if you are using a cooking source. EX: Single burner, butane portable stove. (Recreation Outlet)

MESS GEAR: Don’t neglect mess supplies. Include disposable products in your kit. Water will be in short supply and it is more sanitary to dispose of all eating supplies after use. Be sure and wash your hands before eating as a preventative sanitation measure.

Mess Gear Suggestions: Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, napkins, handiwipes, plenty of zip-lock bags, etc.

VITAL RECORDS: As a normal practice, emergency response experts tell us to have multiple copies of vital papers in different locations. It is a major project; it took me part-time 2 weeks to assemble and copy  (use both sides of paper.)

Vital Records Suggestions: If you are not computer-literate, ask for help in creating a thumb drive w/copies of all vital and personal records. Also include in your kit paper copies of any items mentioned below that are important for you: Drivers License, Passport, or other official photo ID, marriage or divorce papers, Social Security card, birth/death certificates, wills, directives, insurance papers for home, auto, health, immunization and other medical records, property deeds and mortgage papers, current paper records of your credit card accounts, bank assets, debt and investment accounts, passwords. If you have pets, include their vital and medical records.

CASH: Mostly small bills- $1, 5, 10. Safest if kept in money belt.

SLEEP GEAR: In a large-scale disaster, you definitely should not count on having a Red Cross cot. What can you include in your On-Foot Evacuation Kit that would provide warmth, some comfort and sleep?

Sleep Gear Suggestions: Sleeping bag, thick yoga mat, warm, comfortable blanket, mylar blanket, blow-up mattress/pillow, sleep mask, earplugs, etc.

MEDICATION: If a serious disaster befalls us, it may be a while before pharmacies are stocked, and longer yet before you contact your pharmacy. Therefore, it is suggested you stock an adequate medication supply in your kit, not merely enough for 96 hours. You can accumulate a supply by re-ordering meds after 3 weeks (or as soon as your insurance will allow), instead of 30 days. Or ask your doctor how to best accumulate an emergency supply of your essential medications.

We are encouraged to keep meds in original pill bottles. If you have to conserve space by transferring meds into small containers/bags, it is vital to label name and dose accurately. It is best is to include actual prescription or copy.

FIRST AID: Serious disasters create medical needs. You will be on your own for days to minister to your own medical needs.

First-Aid Suggestions: N-95 medical (or N-100) face masks, stomach remedies -- Imodium, laxative, anti-acid – lots of latex or nitrile gloves, rubbing alcohol, Ace bandages, Band-Aids, 4” sterile gauze pads, hypo-allergenic adhesive tape, cravats (large triangular pieces of fabric – good for a sling and other uses,), antibiotic cream, cotton-tipped swabs, cotton balls, thermometer, anti-itch cream, pain reliever, petroleum jelly, burn treatment, anti-inflammatory, saline solution, eye drops. Do you use anti-histamines, decongestants, hemorrhoid ointments?  Small scissors, tweezers, wrist splints, etc.  This list is to suggest or remind you of items that meet your needs. 

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: It adds to the bulk of your kit, but you may have use for these items:

Personal Equipment Suggestions: Personal size water filter, flashlight(s) w/extra batteries - a powerful one in your kit and a small one to carry at all times. Cell phone and charger that does not require electricity like a solar charger unit, wristwatch, radio – battery-operated (w/extra batteries) and/or hand crank or solar, 2 walkie-talkie radios, emergency whistle, light sticks, flare, etc.  Neighbors will have radios, if it is too heavy to carry.

SEASONAL: Includes a change of clothing: Package separately so you can swap out this package easily when the season changes.

Winter Package Suggestions: Thermal underwear, sweaters, knit hat, ear muffs, heavy scarf, heavy coat, gloves, study shoes, warm socks, underwear. Include source for producing heat. EX: hand/foot warmers.

Summer Package Suggestions: Practical top & pants, and long sleeves/ pants too, sturdy shoes/socks, sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellent, plastic rain poncho, underwear. Small kerchiefs can be soaked to tie around neck to help cool. An activating cold pack.

COMFORT & ENTERTAINMENT: It may seem frivolous, but having sources of distraction, comfort and entertainment will be priceless.

Entertainment Suggestions: Paperback book(s), paper, a diary, pens/pencils, cards, spiritual materials, crossword puzzle book.

PET KIT: Make sure your pets have a tag with your identification. You must bring pets in carriers – another reason for a second wheeled component to your kit. Pets must have leashes. Include pet medical records, (especially proof of immunization). Because the American Red Cross is the mandated Mass Care partner in any evacuation effort, please know they permit only legitimate service dogs inside shelters. If a pet owner, you’ll want to join w/other pet owners to create a safe place for pets in a location adjacent to the human location/shelter.

Pet Kit Suggestions: Most important is sufficient water and food for the size and health of your pet(s). A small dog or cat could be okay with a quart of water/day; a large dog could need a gallon or more. Include dry food and/or canned/pouched food sufficient for 96 hours. Do not introduce a food that is unfamiliar to your pet(s). A collapsible bowl is easier to pack in your kit. A shirt or gift box that collapses flat can be lined with plastic bag and with a few inches of litter can serve as a litter box. Include scoop and plastic bags for cleaning up your pet’s waste. Pack familiar toys and bedding, pet comb/brush, etc. Recommended first-aid supplies (anti-diarrheal, antibiotic and pain medications are available over-the-counter at pet stores or from your Vet.  Carry with you a picture of you and your pet together.  It may be important in establishing ownership.

© 2015 Linda Milne

NOTE:  In some cases I’ve have listed where I purchased larger or more unusual items. This is intended to be a help to you not an endorsement to shop at those locations or buy those products. I look for sales or purchase in closing hours of Prepare Fairs when vendors drop their prices.

If you use the internet, you will find multiple sources to purchase suggested items.

You can rely upon suggestions for creating your kit from the American Red Cross.

If you are a Do-It-Yourself person you can make some of your kit items or find cheaper solutions for emergency items.  There are web sites and blogs that can give you ideas and instructions.  One you can checkout:  The Creative Cheapskate.