Welcome!
Welcome to week #12 in the “72 Hour Kit Ideas: A week by week approach” series.
This series is all about making it simple and do-able to get a 72 hour kit put together for you and your family.
Creating such a kit can be overwhelming and financially difficult to do all at once. But through this series, I’ve broken it down for you into 26 small steps! You can see all the steps here. Just take one small baby step each week and in 6 months you will have a well stocked, personalized kit!
You can even go through the series a few times over a year or two adding just the most basic supplies the first six months and then a few more “extra” supplies each time you cycle through it again.
Want even more help?
This series is also available as an e-book. Purchasing the e-book gives you a few additional benefits over just reading the free series:
- Additional details and tips
- The ability to print the entire book!
- Pictures of my own kit showing just how I pack each week.
Download “Your Own 72 Hour Kit Plan” E-Book Now!
* Some links in this post are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may get a small commission if you make a purchase. Some links (those to Thrive Life) actually provide you with a discounted price. Thanks for your support in this way!
Last Week
I hope you were able to add to the first aid supplies in your kit last week.
Week #12: Medicine
Even if you don’t take daily prescription meds, there are some “meds” you may consider including in your kit. Remember that “illnesses” that may seem small during everyday life (such as a headache or a cold) will be far more difficult to deal with in a disaster situation.
You will want to be your best self in every way possible, especially if you are a parent! This week, add medicines you feel are important for your family to your kit.
While many meds are important, prescription meds can be essential and life sustaining. If there are meds you must take on a regular basis be sure you have a supply of them in your kit.
Ideas / Options:
Other than prescription meds that you already know you need, consider the list below as you decide what to keep in your kit for your family. You may consider putting a 3 day supply of some meds in a small zip pouch (like the ones you can find at craft stores) with a label to save on space!
- Infant / children’s pain relief (with appropriate dropper if needed)
- Children’s Benadryl (for allergic reactions)
- Cold Meds
- Allergy Meds / Antihistamines
- Hydro-cortisone
- Antacid tablets
- Various types of pain relief (including Midol if you use / need it)
- Anti-diarrhea meds and Laxatives (when under severe stress the digestive
system doesn’t always function so well!) - Syrup of Ipecac OR Activated Charcoal (to induce vomiting from poisoning) DO NOT use both. I prefer Activated Charcoal
- High blood pressure meds (Your blood pressure will be higher during times of stress. If you have high blood pressure, include some!)
- Insulin if necessary
- Inhaler / asthma meds
- Birth Control
- Cranberry Pills (for urinary tract infections)
- Ear Drops
- Essential Oils (if you know how to use them)
- An Epi-Pen (if someone in your family needs one)
- Copies of eyeglass or contact prescriptions
What we have done in our family:
We have most of what is listed above. We do not need any prescription meds, blood pressure meds or insulin / asthma meds. We do not have a laxative or ear drops. I would like to get some cranberry pills, but have not yet.
How About You? /
Leave me a comment and tell me what you will be adding to your kit. Why? How are you going to “beef up” the supplies in your basic kit?
Skip to:
| Week #11: First Aid | Week #13: Personal Care & Hygiene | Week #1: Packaging Your Kit | Series Into: Survival Kit Series, A Week by Week Approach |
Becky is a wildlife enthusiast and pet and livestock care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to Simple Family Preparedness through insightful info about pets, livestock, bee keeping, and the practicalities of homesteading.
I m going to be looking into pre-made kits and checking out galls.com
Thanks so much for putting together an easy to follow list. One suggestion concerning latex gloves. I use only non-latex gloves for 2 reasons. 1) some people have serious latex allergies. If you only provide aid to you or your family that’s fine if no one has allergies. If you rpovide aid to anyone else you could make things worse if they have this particular allergy. 2) latex does not have a long shelf life. I’ve found boxes of latex gloves that start to fall apart after just a few years in storage.
Good point, Brenda.
I worked at a dental office for years and we would only use non-latex gloves for the same reasons. Good point!
I am finishing up my first aid kits this week. I hit a big bin at Walmart that had a bunch of first aid items for 88 cents. Small boxes of benadryl, laxative, anti-diarrhea, alcohol, peroxide, anti-itch, etc. I loaded up. I split the small boxes of meds between two kits and taped a copy of the back of the box (directions) to each blister pack. I also ordered more SAM splints and a bottle of burn gel. I had a pop-up on the galls website to give my email for a free knife with a $50 purchase. So I ordered an emergency escape hammer to keep in the console of my car, and a can of Mace. Then I got the $20+ dollar knife for free and put it in my husbands kit. I am adding a suture kit too as soon as I find a good one online. Oh and I found an ankle brace that slips on for sprains at Walmart or 88 cents too. It is small and neoprene so weighs nothing. Grabbed one since I am a huge clutz. 🙂 Really love this series.
Great finds Monica! Good for you!
I was glad to read the list and already have many of those items on hand. Just picked up some moleskin for my daughter going off to Girl’s Camp, hopefully she won’t need it and it can go into my first aid kit.
The one item I really need is a CPR mask. The thought of performing CPR on someone I don’t know scares me… sure, with the new guidelines I don’t need to do the breathing but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
I’ve assembled a large number of items since we started on first aid kits 2 weeks ago. Somehow, the kits I made for the vehicles ended up being more complete than the one in the house, so I need to fix that! I still need to get gloves, but I already have antibiotic ointment, tweezers, scissors, needles, sunburn ointment, and dust masks.
Greg makes a good point about medication expiring. I plan to check all of those dates at the same time as my stored food and water when we cycle back through the series.
Sounds like you’ve done well Aimee!
For other first aid, I need to get some burn cream (we have some but have used it so we need to restock!) I really like the pen light and disposable thermometers too! And like AK said, I really need to renew my first aid and CPR certification! It’s so important!
I completely agree Natalie!
I’m in the very beginning of the process of getting emergency supplies together. I think this week I’m going to look into buying a second first aid kit like the one I have anyway. It contains basic first aid stuff as well as a lot of what’s on this list and it wasn’t very expensive. I need to look into renewing my First Aid and CPR certifications, too. Not something tangible, but definitely worthwhile!
Yes! I think that there are times when knowledge can be more important than the things we have!
Thanks for the info on the burn gel. I plan on getting some right away. It is nice to have a “first hand” review of the product! (har har)
har har! You make me smile Bridgette!
Between 4th of July fireworks burns and July bug bites I am reminded to add two other first aid items to my first aid kit.
1. Plain Meat Tenderizer- Something in it neutralizes the pain and swelling of bug bites. Make a paste with water and rub (Not pat) into the bite site. Leave on as long as necessary.
2. Pure Vanilla Extract- Excellent burn aid. Apply as soon as burn occurs. If burn is to finger- pour some in bowl and soak. If burn is to another part of body, saturate paper towel or cloth and cover burn area. It may hurt initially as it pulls out the burn but continue to soak area. The longer you soak, the better the healing. I have had some very serious burns heal over night without blistering or soreness in the area the next day! It is truly is a miracle for burns!
Great tips Ruth, thanks! I didn’t know either of those things!
I open my emails always in anticipation of receiving your newest post for the survival kit ideas!!! I am always looking for things at yard sales and thrift stores to add to our kits. I have found surgical blades at a thrift store still in their original packaging. I am in need of some suture kits, moleskin, and a few other things. I hope to get them soon. So much going on right now makes it hard to stay focused and move forward. I pray I can get some of these things to complete my first aid kit soon. Keep up the good work!
I’m glad you look forward to it Vicki! Sorry this week’s was late! And thrift stores are the best!
I am so happy that we found your site. We have been taking for granted the fact that we would be taken care of by the military in an emergency. But what happens if we can’t get to base… or there isn’t a base to get to… or we get separated? Thanks for the wake-up call! 🙂
P.S. I don’t know if you’ve heard of “Surviving Disaster.” (It was a mini-series on late-night Spike TV a couple of years ago)The episodes are available for pretty cheap on Amazon. Great info for surviving all sorts of crazy situtations!
Thanks Laura! I have not heard of Surviving Disaster. I will have to check it out sometime.
I just looked up this series and it is FREE on SpikeTV. I can’t wait to watch them!
https://www.spike.com/shows/surviving-disaster/episode-guide
I really want to get iodide and a snake bite kit. But I added burn cream and guaze wraps this week because I burned myself the other day and didn’t have anything.
Sounds smart Christina!
I will be adding 2 small camp seats, a small sewing kit, a fire starter, emergency whistle, some emergency blankets and tents!! It was a stock up kinda week for me. I have to get a small kit started for the car too!
Where did you find camp seats small enough to go in your pack Joellyn? I want some!
It was a groupon Goods deal awhile back. They’re called pocket chairs! They are small but better than the ground! 🙂
Thanks! I check it out!
Misty, I found these chairs this week and want to get them. They are perfect for the packs.
https://www2.pulsetv.com/searchprods.asp
I’ve never heard of burn cream and I’m blown away! I have a tendency to catch myself on fire way too often! I’m gonna buy that pronto: one for each med kit and one for the kitchen junk drawer!
I really do love it Julie! (-:
I’d like to make two points:
– Most pre-made kits have little room to expand to accommodate additional items. So, make choices based on the value of the contents then re-purpose the container. For example, you can add fire starter, fish hooks/line and signal mirror to a small hard case 1st Aid kit to make it a survival kit for your day pack. The removed medical items go into the pile to make your other aid kits.
– Many consumables in first aid kits have a shelf life. You need to regularly review/replace contents and move things (before they expire) to the medicine cabinet for routine use. Figure out a system that works for you.
You are completely right Greg! I have re-packaged all my supplies just to make them fit better in my pack. And week #25 will be all about rotation! Thanks for the tips!
Hi-just found your site- I too am a shelf reliance consultant. I was looking for more recipes but AM EXCITED about your emergency kit series! I cant get # 14 to show -is that beacuse you are in the middle of it? I have many emergency things for my pack already but this has still given me new ideaS! I just recieved my stove in a can and also got wing tip stoves for a back up plan-3 is two and two is one- a favorite quote from Jim Rawles- the survivalblog! Please enter me in the weekly drawing and keep up this awesome series!!
am concerned something is wrong with you or your site- still have nothing newr than Jan 11th , 2012 showing- hope all is well.
Sorry. I”m not on the computer at all on Sunday so I just saw your comment this morning and I’ve got sick kids, so I’m a bit slow at responding. First of all, WELCOME! I’m glad you are so excited about the series. I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m glad to have you here.
Next, you really don’t see ANYTHING since the 11th? There have been quite a few posts since then. When you go here: https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/blog/
What do you see? Nothing since the 11th? That is very concerning. I see them…I wonder why….
As for week’s #14 and #15, here are the direct links. Hopefully that will help!
Week #15: https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/2012/01/survival-kit-ideas-week-14-hand-tools/
Week #14: https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/2012/01/survival-kit-ideas-week-14-medicines/
I will also get the most recent post added to the main survival kit page (https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/2011/09/survival-kit-ideas-week-by-week/). I forgot to do that last week! Hopefully that will help too!
With the direct links it works- not sure why not otherwise-#15 doesn’t even show available yet and #a4 wont click to anything but #13?
And you see NO new posts since the 11th on the main blog page (https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/blog/) 72 hr kit or otherwise?
And are you talking about the links on the the main survival kit page (https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/2011/09/survival-kit-ideas-week-by-week/). I forgot to do add #15 last week, since my sister was in town. All posts were on auto-post and I didn’t get a chance to add that one. I’ve done it now. Is it still not working?
I was talking about the survival kit page- all seems updated now- thanks so much! Cant wait to try some recipes this wk! I made the soup in a jar from Shelf Reliance yest and sent jars home with my kids for their families. We used left over chicken in ours last night and it was delicious!! Plan to make one into beef stew this week(except with my home cannned venison!)
I love your insights on what to have in the 72 hr. packs AND reading comments from other readers. But I feel like I am playing “catch-up”. Do you have special items in your young children’s bags?
Sorry Jill, I just now realized I’d never responded to you! First, thank you for your kind comments! I agree that I love the additional comments / perspective from other readers!
Don’t stress too much about playing catchup. Just make sure you have week #1 completed and then jump in on this week. Don’t worry about the previous weeks. I will cycle back through them and you can do them then. The whole point of this series is to make creating your kit simple and do-able! Just take it one week at a time.
As for my kids kits, you can read a detailed description here: https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/2011/03/72-hr-kits/
I need to get a suture kit, but hopefully I won’t need to use it. I use to be a surgical tech, so I have had experience with it, but it’s been years!
A surgical tech?! Wow. I’m impressed! I have one, but should probably read up a bit on how to really use it!
My wife bought a few J&J first aid kits on clearance awhile back, so we moved those from the pantry into our survival kits. We made a list of things we don’t have but could use- like snake bite kits- very important with rattlers and all the other snakes here in georgia, and will be ordering tho
se soon.
Sounds great Michael! Way to go getting those first aid kits actually into your survival kits instead of the pantry shelf!
the items in green above look like they are links… but none of them seem to work.
Thank you Rachel! I didn’t realize that was happening. I’m so glad you found it! It should be fixed now, but if you see anything like that again, let me know!
Still working on stocking up. We have wheat berries,rye, oats,rice cocoa,water, volcano stove,first aid, bug out bags. sewing needs. Still need to get sleeping bags and some sort of generator.
Sounds like you are doing a lot Gayle! What sort of first aid supplies do you have in your bug out bag?
Thanks Misty. We have alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment,poison ivy treatment,burn ointment,sunburn ointment,bug spray,bag balm,ear drop, thermometer,bandaids,bandages of various sizes and types,tapes,masks,cotton,ace bandages,manuka honey, and several essential oils.
Oh my! I will be adding a few of those to the list above (and some to next week which is medication)! Thanks! What is the honey for?
Manuka honey has antibacterial qualities as well tastes great and wont spoil. Here is a link: https://manukahoney.com/
Thank you!
recently read that regular honey is good as a topical treatment
Thanks Rachel!
We are doing well on our first aid stuff and have added some CPR shields, burn gel, various gauze rolls, sewing kit withe needles, iodide tinicture (sp?), scissors, various medicines, but will add suture kits, snack bite removal kits, and others in the days to come…also have added tweezers, dust masks, antibiotic ointment too…
Good to be back and see you back!! Vacations go way too quickly!!!!
Yes, vacation was over way too soon! Loved it though.
I have a good jump on the first aid and safety items but need to add a snake bite kit and the iodide tablets. Congrats to Betty!
Way to go!
Hope you had a great Christmas! Glad to see you back. Break went way too quick around here and there’s still lots to do.
Just noticed that the entry form above does not state that actually “talking” to people in person counts as a way to share this info. I’m sure it does, just noticed it wasn’t in the listing. LOL
I actually just finally found the Iodide Tablets. I was originalls thinking that it was the liquid Iodine that we were needing for the radiation troubles. However, finally found in one of my books that we need IodiDe. There’s a second D in the word rather than an N. I went to the pharmacy and asked them where i could find this produce. Sure enough, they had it for sale (w/out a Rx needed) behind the counter. Was excited to finally get my hands on that!
LOL… ok… i’ll try this again. Yes, I indeed am… human! 🙂
Thanks Rachel! Yes, the break went by MUCH to quick around here as well, but is was certainly nice. I LOVE it when my husband has time off!
And yes, of course talking to someone in person is a GREAT way to share this. How funny that in this crazy technological world, I forgot to list that!
And the human thing, sorry, but I was getting 20+ crazy spamming comments everyday. It was just taking too much time to monitor and delete them all!
I don’t have a suture kit, so thanks for the reminder that I need one. I was trying to get a sliver out of my finger and realized I didn’t have a needle. Something so small – easy to pack – but rather important.
Ooo yes! A needle….adding it to the list right now!